Leaders Around the World Respond as Lula Wins Fourth Term in Brazil

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has won a fourth non-consecutive term in office, beating right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the presidential run-off held on Sunday. The result has prompted reactions from governments and politicians across the world.

Bolsonaro has asked for the vote to be annulled. He described as "unacceptable" a two-hour extension of voting hours ordered by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin. Both candidates had asked for additional voting time.

Leftist figures abroad were quick to celebrate. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on X: "Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won." Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the win "historic" and said it ensures the continuity of the path of peace, sovereignty and social justice. He added that Brazil can count on Cuba in building the unity and integration of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Other regional leaders focused on cooperation. Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast said he phoned Lula to congratulate him, and that the two countries would keep working on economic integration and the fight against organised crime in the region. Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz described Bolivia and Brazil as neighbouring and sister countries with a shared history and common challenges, and said both would work to generate more opportunities for their nations. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino congratulated the Brazilian people on a "democratic day" and Lula on his victory.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney credited Lula with advancing relations between the two countries. He urged both sides to seize the moment to strengthen those ties, create new commercial prospects, protect the environment and ensure greater prosperity for their populations.

In the United States, reactions split along political lines. Donald Trump Jr criticised the result and pointed to the extended voting time. He said that if a conservative government in Brazil had done the same, "everyone in the mainstream press in America would lose their minds," adding that he supposed the press was staying silent "because it's all for the cause."

Senator Bernie Sanders congratulated Lula on an "extraordinary re-election victory" and said the Brazilian president has "stood up" for workers and democracy and will continue to do so in his next four-year term. Congressman Ro Khanna said people around the world are fighting back against extremism, and argued that authoritarian leaders attack democracy because they stand no chance against the will of their people. He also said President Donald Trump "must respect the results and not undermine Brazil's elections."

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on X: "The people united will never be defeated!" The press office of California Governor Gavin Newsom said the governor is proud to stand with Brazil and partners worldwide who share a commitment to defending democracy, protecting the environment, strengthening workers' rights and building an economy that works for working families.