World leaders on Monday congratulated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his election victory in Brazil’s presidential runoff, securing a fourth non-consecutive term as president.
Lula defeated Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, winning 51.79 percent of valid votes, or more than 60 million ballots, compared with Bolsonaro’s 48.21 percent.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the result as a victory for “democracy and multilateralism”, adding that Europe’s partnership with Brazil was thriving.
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Lula, calls for France and Brazil to work for 'a fairer world'.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez celebrated Lula’s victory as launching a "progressive comeback", as he trails in polls before Spain's November vote. "A great victory for Lula! What has happened in Brazil will happen in Spain. The global progressive comeback has just begun," Sanchez posted on X.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari has also congratulated Lula on X, highlighting the “longstanding friendly relations” of two countries.
US Senator Bernie Sanders congratulated Lula on his “extraordinary” victory, saying the Brazilian leader had stood up for workers and democracy and would continue to do so over the next four years.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters that Beijing has noted the outcome of Brazil's presidential election, won by Lula, and congratulated him on his victory.
China wished Brazil "even greater achievements in national development under the leadership" of Lula, Guo said. "We are ready to promote the China-Brazil community with a shared future," he added.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated Lula’s victory, writing on X: “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel congratulated Lula on his “historic victory”, saying it would ensure continuity on the path of peace, sovereignty and social justice.
Argentina’s former president Cristina Kirchner, who is under house arrest following a corruption conviction, said Lula had “known how to awaken in his compatriots the feeling and sense needed to win”.
Uruguay’s President Yamandu Orsi said he had spoken with Lula and congratulated him on his victory and the democratic significance of the election.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed confidence in Lula’s leadership and the future of Brazil.
“I believe that, based on the trust and expectations bestowed by the Brazilian people, you will continue to play a significant role going forward,” Lee said in a statement on X, recalling his meetings with Lula.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the result as “a hard-fought contest that has given him a renewed mandate from the Brazilian people to lead their great nation”.
Anwar said Lula’s commitment to social justice, poverty reduction and ensuring developing countries have a voice had earned him respect beyond Brazil.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Lula, saying he looked forward to deepening and expanding the India-Brazil strategic partnership. Modi is the current chair of the BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Lula’s victory had “defeated the forces of corruption, division and political lies”. The result, Dissanayake said on X, showed that voters could not be misled by “bankrupt political dynasties” or figures from the past who believed might was greater than right.
