Leaders from across the political spectrum have congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after his comeback victory in Sunday’s runoff. His challenger, Flavio Bolsonaro, has refused to accept the result.
According to the figures reported by AFP, Lula won 51.8 per cent of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 48.2 per cent.
Messages from leftist allies came first. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on X that “the people of Brazil won.” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel praised a “historic victory” for peace, sovereignty and social justice. Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi said he had spoken with Lula by phone. He called the vote a democratic celebration.
Several right-leaning leaders also reached out. Peru’s Keiko Fujimori praised what she called Brazil’s “democratic day.” She promised to deepen cooperation, including on the Amazon. Chile’s José Antonio Kast, a close ally of the Bolsonaro family, said Chile and Brazil share “a great future.” Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa called for regional cooperation, saying Latin America has shared challenges and much to gain from working together.
The win slows a conservative shift in South America. Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru have all moved right in recent elections, with backing from US President Donald Trump.
European leaders were quick to respond. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the result a win for democracy and multilateralism. French President Emmanuel Macron urged stronger strategic ties with Brazil. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it the start of a “progressive comeback.” He added that the same would happen in Spain, where his party trails in the polls ahead of a November vote.
Others offered their congratulations too. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who currently chairs BRICS, promised to deepen India-Brazil ties. China said it was ready to work with Brazil on a shared future. US Senator Bernie Sanders said Lula had stood up for workers and democracy.
