Leaders around the world hailed the victory yesterday (Sunday) of Luis Inácio Lula da Silva over outgoing far-right President Jorge Bolsonaro in the second round of Brazil's presidential election, described as the country's most polarised in decades.
Joe Biden
«I congratulate Luis Inácio Lula da Silva on his election to the presidency of Brazil following free, fair and credible elections» in the largest Latin American country, said a press release posted on the US presidential website by Mr Biden's office. The terse text added that the US president «looks forward» to «working» with his Brazilian counterpart to «continue the cooperation between our two countries.».
Emmanuel Macron
«Together, we will join forces to face the many common challenges and renew the bond of friendship between our two countries,» the French head of state said on Twitter a few minutes after the electoral commission announced the result, posting the same message in Portuguese, saying Lula's victory «opens a new page in Brazil's history».
Justin Trudeau
«The Brazilian people have spoken. I look forward to working with Lula to strengthen our countries» partnership (...) and advance our shared priorities - like protecting the environment," the Canadian prime minister noted via Twitter.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador
«Lula has won, blessed are the people of Brazil. There will be equality and humanism,» was the Mexican president's comment, also via Twitter.
Anthony Albanesi
«Huge congratulations to Lula for his tremendous victory in the Brazilian elections. I look forward to working with you to protect our global environment,» the Australian Prime Minister assured.
Miguel Dias-Canel
«We embrace you, Brother President Lula», the Cuban president simply said.
Gabriel Boric
A similar tone was adopted by the President of Chile: «Lula. Lula.
Guillermo Lasso
«I congratulate Lula on his election (...) We will continue to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our countries to bring better days for our citizens. Our constituency continues its integration with pluralism,» said the Ecuadorian president.
Gustavo Petro
«Long live Lula,» the Colombian president, elected in June, simply wrote.
Nicolás Maduro
«Democracy has triumphed in Brazil. Long live the people who are determined to live free, sovereign and independent!», the Venezuelan president commented.
Luis Arce
«Congratulations brother Lula. Your victory strengthens democracy and the integration of Latin America. We are confident that you will lead the Brazilian people on the path of peace, progress and social justice,» said the Bolivian president.
Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin today congratulated Luis Inácio Lula da Silva on his election as President of Brazil and said he hopes they will have «a constructive cooperation», the Kremlin said. «Please accept my sincere congratulations (...) The election result confirmed your great political prestige. I hope that by making joint efforts we will continue to develop constructive Russian-Brazilian cooperation in all areas,» Putin added.
