Lula’s re-election draws global support, while Bolsonaro seeks annulment
International reactions highlight the election’s implications for democracy, trade, environmental protection and Brazil’s relations with the United States
- Canada, Mexico and Latin American leaders welcome Lula’s victory, while U.S. politicians offer sharply different reactions and Flávio Bolsonaro seeks to annul the result.
World leaders and politicians have reacted to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s re-election, offering congratulations and pledges to strengthen bilateral ties, while political figures in the United States remain divided over the result and defeated challenger Flávio Bolsonaro seeks to have the election annulled.
Lula secured a fourth nonconsecutive presidential term after defeating the right-wing senator in Sunday’s runoff, winning 51.79 percent of the vote against Bolsonaro’s 48.21 percent, according to official results.
Bolsonaro rejected the outcome, citing a controversial two-hour extension of voting hours. Both campaigns had requested additional time under different circumstances, although the extension prompted confusion at some polling stations.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Lula, declaring that democracy had prevailed and that the Brazilian people had won. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also welcomed the result, saying it offered an opportunity to deepen relations between Canada and Brazil through expanded trade, environmental protection and greater prosperity for both populations.
In the United States, reactions reflected differing political views. Donald Trump Jr. criticized the extension of voting hours, arguing that it would have prompted stronger criticism had it benefited a conservative government.
Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, however, congratulated Lula on what he called an extraordinary victory, praising his support for workers and democracy. Congressman Ro Khanna also welcomed the result, saying it reflected resistance to extremism and urging President Donald Trump to respect Brazil’s electoral outcome.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office separately expressed support for cooperation with Brazil on democracy, environmental protection, workers’ rights and economic opportunity.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described Lula’s victory as historic and linked it to the pursuit of peace, national sovereignty and social justice. Chilean President José Antonio Kast said he had spoken with Lula to congratulate him, emphasizing opportunities to strengthen economic integration and cooperation against organized crime.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori also pledged to reinforce strategic cooperation with Brazil, including sustainable development in the Amazon region shared by the two countries.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz highlighted the shared history and regional challenges connecting his country with Brazil, while Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino congratulated the Brazilian people and Lula on the result. Their messages underscored regional interest in maintaining cooperation on economic development and common challenges.
The international response comes as Brazil remains divided over the election outcome and the direction of its domestic and foreign policies. Lula has emphasized democracy and national sovereignty, while Bolsonaro’s challenge keeps attention focused on the dispute over voting procedures. The result is also significant for Brazil’s relations with Washington, following tensions over U.S. tariffs and broader disagreements during the campaign.
