China, Russia, Latin American nations greet Lula on victory
After the narrow victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the Workers’ Party (PT), over incumbent Bolsonaro in the runoff of the elections in Brazil on Sunday (Oct. 30), world leaders have greeted the country’s new president-elect.
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Lula this morning (31), state broadcaster CCTV reported. “I attach great importance to the development of China-Brazil relations,” said Xi.
“I am willing to work with President-elect Lula, from a strategic and long-term perspective, to tly plan and promote to a new level the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil, for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also commanded the president-elect on winning a third term. In a statement on the Kremlin's website, Putin says he hopes for the strengthening of Brazil–Russia ties and that the election result shows Lula’s “high political authority.”
Latin America
Latin American leaders yesterday greeted the politician. “Viva Lula,” tweeted Colombian Gustavo Petro, who in June was elected his country’s first leftist president.
Argentine President Alberto Fernández wrote on Twitter that “[Lula’s] victory marks the beginning of a new time in the history of Latin America—a time of hope and future, beginning today.”
“Congratulations, brother,” wrote Bolivian President Luis Arce. “Your victory strengthens democracy and integration in Latin America.”
“Democracy won today in Brazil,” said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose ties to Lula have often been cited by Bolsonaro to question the PT’s commitment to democracy.
US, Canada, and Europe
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also posted a tweet. In the early hours of Monday, he said he was looking forward to working with future president Lula: “Congratulations to @LulaOficial on his victory in the Brazilian elections.”
“I look forward to working together on the issues that matter to the UK and Brazil, from growing the global economy to protecting the planet’s natural resources and promoting democratic values.”
After the official result was announced yesterday, other world leaders had spoken out. US President Joe Biden greeted Lula’s win in a statement: “I send my congratulations to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his election to be the next president of Brazil following free, fair, and credible elections. I look forward to working together to continue the cooperation between our two countries in the months and years ahead.”
The president of , Emmanuel Macron, said that both will have “many common challenges” to face together.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he “looks forward to working” with the future president: “The people of Brazil have spoken. I’m looking forward to working with @LulaOficial to strengthen the partnership between our countries, to deliver results for Canadians and Brazilians, and to advance shared priorities—like protecting the environment. Congratulations, Lula!”
*With information from Reuters.
