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BRASÍLIA, Brazil — World leaders and political figures have reacted to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory in the October 25 presidential run-off, which secured him an unprecedented fourth, non-consecutive term in office.
Lula defeated right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, winning 51.79% of valid votes against Bolsonaro’s 48.21%, according to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court. The result marked a major comeback for Lula, who had finished behind Bolsonaro in the first round.
However, Bolsonaro has refused to accept the result and says he will seek to have the election annulled. His challenge centres on a decision by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin to extend voting hours by two hours following requests from both campaigns amid transport difficulties and severe weather.
The election authority declared Lula the winner, while Bolsonaro’s demand for annulment has set the stage for a potential legal dispute.
Reactions from Latin America
Mexico: Claudia Sheinbaum
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Lula, describing the result as a victory for democracy and the Brazilian people.
“Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won,” she wrote on X.
Canada: Mark Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Lula’s re-election and highlighted opportunities to deepen relations between the two countries.
He pointed to potential cooperation in trade, environmental protection and shared prosperity.
Chile: José Antonio Kast
Chilean President José Antonio Kast said he had spoken with Lula to congratulate him.
Kast said both countries would continue working on economic integration and efforts to combat organised crime in the region.
Peru: Keiko Fujimori
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori congratulated Lula and reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Brazil.
She also highlighted regional integration and the sustainable development of the Amazon, which the two countries share.
Bolivia: Rodrigo Paz
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz described Bolivia and Brazil as neighbouring countries with a shared history and common challenges.
He said the two governments would continue working to strengthen bilateral relations and create more opportunities for their citizens.
Panama: José Raúl Mulino
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino congratulated the Brazilian people and Lula on the result, pledging continued cooperation between the two countries.
Ecuador: Daniel Noboa
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa congratulated Lula and called for greater regional cooperation, saying Latin American countries had common challenges and much to gain by working together.
Paraguay: Santiago Peña
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña congratulated Lula and praised the Brazilian electoral process.
He said Paraguay and Brazil shared an agenda focused on regional integration, development and the wellbeing of their populations.
Uruguay: Yamandú Orsi
Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi said he had spoken with Lula, whom he described as a friend, to congratulate him on the victory and the democratic process.
Cuba: Miguel Díaz-Canel
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described Lula’s victory as historic, saying it would continue Brazil’s pursuit of peace, sovereignty and social justice.
He also reaffirmed Cuba’s support for greater unity and integration across Latin America and the Caribbean.
European Union welcomes the result
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Lula and said the outcome demonstrated the importance of democracy and multilateralism.
She also highlighted the European Union’s partnership with Brazil, including cooperation on open trade, international rules and climate ambitions.
Mixed reactions in the United States
The result prompted contrasting responses from US political figures.
Donald Trump Jr criticised the voting-hours extension, arguing that the decision would have drawn stronger criticism from the mainstream media if it had benefited a conservative government.
Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders, meanwhile, congratulated Lula on what he called an “extraordinary re-election victory”, praising his record on workers’ rights and democracy.
Congressman Ro Khanna also welcomed the result, saying people around the world were pushing back against extremism. He called on US President Donald Trump to respect Brazil’s election results.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed solidarity with Lula’s supporters, while California Governor Gavin Newsom’s media office issued a statement supporting cooperation with Brazil on democracy, environmental protection and workers’ rights.
Argentina’s Cristina Kirchner congratulates Lula
Former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner also congratulated Lula, praising him for mobilising Brazilian voters and securing the victory.
Her message added to the expressions of support from political figures across Latin America following the closely contested election.
Lula’s victory ensures that Brazil will remain under his leadership for another four-year term, with his inauguration scheduled for January 5, 2027. The result has drawn congratulations from leaders across the region and beyond, while Bolsonaro’s planned legal challenge leaves questions about the post-election dispute unresolved.
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