Lula’s historic comeback gives Brazil a fresh mandate for continuity

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BRASÍLIA — Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth presidential term on Sunday, completing an unprecedented comeback against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil’s run-off election. With all votes counted, Lula won 51.79 per cent of valid ballots, against Bolsonaro’s 48.21 per cent, a margin of about 4.43mn votes.

The result overturned the first-round lead held by Bolsonaro, who had taken 47.03 per cent to Lula’s 45.16 per cent. Lula is the first Brazilian presidential candidate since the country’s return to democracy to finish second in the first round and go on to win the run-off. The Superior Electoral Court confirmed the result.

Lula’s victory gives him a renewed mandate to pursue his priorities and continue Brazil’s current policy direction. The scale of the turnaround also points to a campaign that succeeded in mobilising support between the two rounds. With almost half of valid votes still going to Bolsonaro, however, the result also shows that the country remains politically divided.

Turning a mandate into a governing coalition

Lula’s immediate task will be to translate his electoral victory into legislative support. Conservative parties strengthened their position in Congress, making negotiations essential to advancing the government’s programme. That will require coalition-building, but it also creates an opportunity for Lula to broaden support for proposals with clear benefits across party lines.

The president-elect enters his new term with substantial political experience and a proven capacity to build alliances. His challenge will be to use that experience to find common ground with centrist and conservative lawmakers while maintaining the social priorities that helped secure his re-election.

Growth and inclusion remain central

The economic agenda will shape the early months of the new administration. Brazil faces high interest rates, rising public debt and significant household indebtedness. Lula will need to balance fiscal discipline with his commitment to social programmes and improved living standards.

The result nevertheless gives the government an opportunity to build on recent economic gains and make the case that growth can be broad-based. If the administration can sustain employment and incomes while restoring confidence in public finances, it may strengthen the foundations of its social and economic programme.

Brazil’s international role

Lula’s re-election also signals continuity in Brazil’s engagement with the world. His government has pursued an active diplomatic role and argued for greater autonomy in international affairs. During the campaign, trade relations with the United States featured prominently after Washington imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods. Lula’s new term offers a chance to maintain Brazil’s visibility on the global stage while seeking practical outcomes for its economy.

Lula’s return to office is both a personal political milestone and a vote for continuity. The task now is to turn that victory into progress: building workable congressional alliances, easing political tensions and delivering on the economic and social expectations of the electorate. He is due to take office on January 5 2027.