Liberation welcomes the return to office of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The policies of the Lula government have helped lift millions of Brazilians out of poverty and hunger, placing an emphasis upon the needs of the Brazilian people rather than corporate profits.
His opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, is the son of the disgraced former president, Jair Bolsonaro, imprisoned for attempting a coup after being defeated in the presidential election four years ago.
While Bolsonaro was ahead in the first round of voting on 5 October, intense mobilisation and targeted social media activity helped Lula to victory in the second round. This led to a first in Brazilian politics, in which the winner of the first round failed to win the second one, a clear demonstration of the scale of the victory and the massive support of the poor and marginalised casting their vote for Lula in this crucial election.
This victory was achieved in the face of backing for far-right candidate Bolsonaro from the United States, its allies, and from tech giant Meta, who have reportedly been favouring Bolsonaro’s content over that of Lula.
Attempts by right-wing activists in a number of states, to reduce transport services, in an attempt to restrict the right of Brazilians to vote, resulted in the Supreme Court having to extend voting for two hours.
The victory of the progressive candidate in the Brazilian election is a significant boost in a period when the far right, backed by the US, has been resurgent in Latin America.
Though we must be ready to fight for Brazil’s sovereignty, as Bolsonaro’s rejection of the results shows that there will be efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the victory.
Liberation welcomes the re-election of Lula as a beacon of light in uncertain times internationally and a cause for hope for the millions of Brazil’s working class and poor.
Liberation Executive Council
26 October 2026
