Luis Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil's presidential election, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro after a fierce campaign, but now faces challenges from a right-leaning Congress and a still polarized public.
On 26 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil's leftist president, won his fourth presidential term by defeating right-wing rival Flávio Bolsonaro in a runoff held last Sunday amid intense competition.
Lula previously served two presidential terms from January 2003 to December 2010 before returning to office in January 2023, mobilizing supporters through rallies and social media.
However, Lula now faces major political challenges, including a Congress leaning further right than at any time in Brazil's democratic history, and societal division, with over 48% of voters supporting Bolsonaro, highlighting clear political polarization in the country.
Additionally, he must navigate relations with the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, whose policies aim to expand American influence in Latin America and reduce China's role in the region. Lula maintains a friendly stance toward China and has warned the U.S. against interfering in Brazil's elections, emphasizing that Brazil will not allow itself to become a sphere of influence for any nation.
Source: AFP