President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a historic fourth non-consecutive term in office after defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in the country’s presidential run-off election.
Lula’s victory has attracted reactions from political leaders across the world, with several presidents and politicians congratulating him and expressing hope for stronger diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and democratic governance.
The result, announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, was celebrated by Lula’s supporters who flooded the streets.
However, Flávio Bolsonaro has called for the election to be annulled, describing a two-hour extension of voting time as unacceptable. The extension was granted by Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin, although both candidates had reportedly requested additional time.
The dispute has sparked criticism from some conservative figures in the United States, while several progressive politicians have praised the outcome as a victory for democracy.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Lula in a message posted on X, declaring that democracy had prevailed and that the Brazilian people had won.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also congratulated the Brazilian president, expressing optimism about strengthening relations between Canada and Brazil. He said both countries should seize the opportunity to expand trade, create business opportunities, protect the environment and improve prosperity.
Reactions in the United States were divided.
Donald Trump Jr., son of US President Donald Trump, criticised the election process, focusing on the two-hour extension. He argued that American mainstream media would have reacted differently if a conservative government had been involved in a similar situation.
Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders congratulated Lula on what he described as an extraordinary re-election victory. Sanders praised him for standing up for workers and democracy.
US Congressman Ro Khanna also welcomed the result, describing it as part of a wider global resistance against extremism. He argued that authoritarian leaders often attack democratic institutions because they fear the will of the people. He urged President Donald Trump to respect the outcome.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated Lula’s victory with a message emphasising unity.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s media office expressed support for Brazil, highlighting shared commitments to democracy, environmental protection, workers’ rights and building an economy that benefits working families.
China congratulated Lula through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, who said Beijing respected the announcement by Brazil’s electoral authorities.
Guo added that China was willing to work with Brazil to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Russia also welcomed the re-election, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov praising Lula’s contributions to relations between the two countries and to BRICS.
Peskov expressed hope that cooperation between Moscow and Brasília would continue to grow.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described Lula’s victory as historic, saying it would sustain Brazil’s commitment to peace, national sovereignty and social justice. He expressed Cuba’s readiness to work towards greater unity across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Chilean President José Antonio Kast said he spoke with Lula by telephone to congratulate him, noting opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation and combat organised crime.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening strategic partnership with Brazil, particularly on regional integration and sustainable development of the Amazon.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz described Brazil and Bolivia as neighbours with shared history and challenges, saying both would continue working together.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino also congratulated the Brazilian people and praised Lula’s victory.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Lula, saying the outcome represented a victory for democracy and multilateralism. She highlighted growing partnership between Europe and Brazil on trade and climate action.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described Lula’s victory as a progressive comeback, expressing hope it would inspire similar developments in Spain.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for stronger strategic relations between France and Brazil.
Other leaders including Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, Paraguay’s Santiago Peña, Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi and former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner also congratulated Lula.
Lula’s victory marks a significant development in Brazilian politics, reflecting both support for his leadership and continuing divisions.
While several international leaders have expressed confidence in stronger cooperation with Brazil, the challenge to the result by Flávio Bolsonaro has added controversy.
As Lula prepares for another four-year term, attention will focus on his ability to deliver domestic promises, strengthen international partnerships and address political divisions.
