Global leaders have poured in congratulations for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following his dramatic re-election victory over right-wing contender Flávio Bolsonaro in Sunday’s presidential runoff election.
The 80-year-old leader secured 51.8 per cent of the total vote to claim an unprecedented fourth term as president, prompting immediate praise from international allies who hailed the outcome as a triumph for democratic governance and climate action.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the outcome in a statement posted on social media, declaring, “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won”. Similarly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended the election results, stating that “democracy and multilateralism have won in Brazil” while reaffirming Europe’s commitment to collaborating on climate ambitions and trade.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel praised the result as a “historic victory that guarantees the continuity of the path of peace, sovereignty, and social justice,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that bilateral relations between Canada and Brazil have flourished and expressed eagerness to deepen trade and environmental partnerships.
”Lula has stood up for Brazilian workers and democracy — and will continue to do so in the next four years,” U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders stated, echoing sentiments shared by several international lawmakers who welcomed the election outcome.
Despite the global acclaim, Lula’s rival Flávio Bolsonaro refused to immediately concede the election, while the Brazilian stock market experienced sharp morning volatility as investors weighed the fiscal implications of the administration’s second consecutive term.
