Lula Wins Historic Fourth Presidential Term in Brazil

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at eighty years old, has achieved an unprecedented fourth term as Brazil's president after defeating Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the former far-right leader, with 51.8% of the vote against 48.2%. This victory is notable as Lula is the first president in Brazil’s modern democratic history to be elected four times.

Additionally, it marks the first instance since the end of the military dictatorship in 1985 that a candidate has overcome a first-round deficit to win the runoff presidency. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the result as a win for democracy and multilateralism.

Lula's journey from rural poverty to becoming Brazil's first working-class president is central to his legacy. His previous terms from 2003 to 2010 were marked by significant social programs that lifted millions out of poverty.

After serving over 18 months in prison on corruption charges that were later overturned, Lula's return to power highlights his resilience in governance.