World leaders react to Lula’s re‑election as Brazil’s president

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth non‑consecutive term on Sunday after defeating right‑wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the country’s runoff election. The result came amid controversy when Bolsonaro called for the vote to be annulled over an “unacceptable” two‑hour extension of voting time granted by the Brazilian Supreme Court.

International reactions Leaders from around the world responded on social media and official statements. Sheinbaum congratulated Lula, writing, “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won.” In his congratulatory post, Carney credited Lula with advancing relations between Canada and Brazil and said, “Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen them further, together – to create new promising commercial prospects, protect the environment, and ensure greater prosperity for both our populations.”

Donald Trump Jr. criticized the outcome, citing the Supreme Court’s extension. He argued that a conservative government in Brazil doing the same would draw fierce media backlash in the United States. Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders praised Lula’s “extraordinary re‑election victory,” noting that the Brazilian president has “stood up” for workers and democracy and will continue to do so in his next four‑year term.

Congressman Ro Khanna posted that “People all across the world are fighting back against extremism. With Lula in Brazil, they just won,” and added that President Donald Trump “must respect the results and not undermine Brazil’s elections.” California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Press Office released a statement saying he is “proud to stand with Brazil and partners around the world who share our commitment to defending democracy, protecting our environment, strengthening workers’ rights, and building an economy that works for working families.”

Díaz‑Canel described Lula’s win as “historic,” saying it “ensures the continuity of the path of peace, sovereignty, and social justice embarked upon by the Brazilian people under your leader.” He added, “Brazil can count on Cuba in the construction of the unity and integration of our Great Homeland, Latin American and Caribbean.”

Kast said he spoke with Lula by phone to congratulate him, noting, “Chile and Brazil have a lot of shared future ahead, and we will continue working on an agenda that strengthens relations between our countries in economic integration and the fight against organised crime in the region.”

Rodrigo, referring to Bolivia, called the two nations “neighbouring and sister countries, united by a shared history and common challenges,” and said they will continue to strengthen ties and “generate more opportunities for our nations.”

Mulino wrote, “I congratulate the Brazilian people for this democratic day and especially President Lula for the victory! We will continue working together for our countries.”

Source: Al Jazeera.