‘Brazil Is No One’s Backyard’: Lula Invokes Democracy After Fourth Presidential Win

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared that “Brazil is no one’s backyard” after winning re-election on Sunday, framing his victory as a defence of democracy and national sovereignty.

The 80-year-old Workers’ Party leader defeated Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, to secure a fourth presidential term.

In remarks shared on X, Lula said his campaign had persuaded Brazilians that their vote mattered to the survival of democracy.

“We managed to convince people that voting was extremely important to safeguard democracy in Brazil. We defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms. Brazil is no one’s backyard,” he said.

Lula also promised changes in how his administration would govern. “We will change the way we run this country; we will make people participate more in the decision-making process,” he said. His assertion about foreign intervention was an allegation, rather than an established finding.

A COMEBACK FROM THE FIRST ROUND

Vote figures cited in the preliminary report put Lula at 51.76 per cent against Bolsonaro’s 48.24 per cent, with 99.77 per cent counted.

The victory followed a first-round setback. Bolsonaro had led with 47.03 per cent against Lula’s 45.16 per cent; neither crossed the majority required for an outright win.

Living costs, crime and corruption dominated the campaign. Bolsonaro made a tougher approach to public security central to his pitch and promised to bring down food costs.

The result also carries implications for Brazil’s foreign relations. Lula has emphasised sovereignty and closer engagement with China and the Global South amid tensions with the Trump administration.

REGIONAL LEADERS OFFER CONGRATULATIONS

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the result, saying: “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won. Congratulations, President Lula!”

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña also congratulated Lula, stressing cooperation, regional integration and opportunities for their citizens.

Lula separately shared a Workers’ Party post featuring words identified as belonging to Brazil’s Independence Anthem.

A former metalworker and trade union leader, Lula helped establish the Workers’ Party in 1980. After three unsuccessful presidential bids, he won in 2002 and again in 2006, governing from 2003 to 2010.

He returned to office in January 2023 after defeating Jair Bolsonaro. His latest victory gives him a fourth term overall.

With inputs from ANI