Brazilian voters on Sunday handed the leftist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a fourth term in office and a surprise victory over Flávio Bolsonaro, his right-wing challenger, in a striking rebuke to a conservative surge sweeping Latin America.
Mr. Bolsonaro refused to accept the outcome and said it was the result of foul play, increasing the risk of unrest over the election result.
The rejection by voters of Mr. Bolsonaro, the son of a former president jailed for attempting a coup four years ago, is also a loss for President Trump, who had embraced the Bolsonaro family and the region’s rising right.
Mr. Lula, in contrast to many world leaders, has often and defiantly clashed with Mr. Trump, and his victory suggests that Latin America’s left-wing forces still wield influence despite a string of losses across the hemisphere. This is the first leftist victory following seven straight wins by right-wing leaders in the region over the last 18 months.
“I would like to thank the Brazilian people for the generosity they have shown me for a long time,” Mr. Lula said, during a victory speech in São Paulo, flanked by his wife, running mate and allies. » | Ana Ionova and Adam B. Ellick | Ana Ionova reported from Brasília and Adam B. Ellick from São Paulo. | {ublished: Sunday, October 25, 2026. Updated: Monday, October 26, 2026
LESEN SIE AUCH:
„Was heute geschehen ist, war nicht normal. Es war inakzeptabel“: Flávio Bolsonaro erkennt den Ausgang der Stichwahl in Brasilien nicht an. Er will diese wegen einer verlängerten Abstimmungszeit anfechten. »
À LIRE AUSSI :
La joie des partisans de Lula face aux larmes de ceux de Bolsonaro: le Brésil divisé par la victoire de la gauche : Déjouant les pronostics, le président brésilien de gauche Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a été réélu dimanche, décrochant un quatrième mandat inédit, mais son rival conservateur Flavio Bolsonaro a annoncé son intention de faire annuler le scrutin. »
