Janonismo inspires left-wing movements abroad as Lula weighs legacy of his digital army

The digital strategy created by Brazilian congressman André Janones for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign has inspired left-wing parties globally, with similar WhatsApp channels emerging in Spain, France, and Argentina, while the future of the "Exército do Lula" movement in Brazil remains uncertain. Janones, dubbed the "general" of the campaign against Flávio Bolsonaro, received invitations from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to collaborate in their countries. Argentina's "Ejército del Peronismo" gained 65,000 followers, France's La France Insoumise channel surpassed 100,000 supporters, and Spain's Frente Amplio created "La fuerza de la gente" with about 50,000 members. Analysts credit the strategy's success to transforming ordinary citizens into active campaign agents who navigate social media algorithms, though experts caution that Lula must deliver tangible results rather than maintain permanent campaign mode. Janones met with Lula on Thursday but deflected questions about a potential ministry position.