Lula re-election victory draws congratulations from world leaders, with officials praising democracy and pledging stronger international cooperation.
World leaders across Latin America, Europe and Asia have congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after he won re-election on Sunday, October 25, 2026, defeating conservative challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely contested presidential runoff.
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Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court announced that Lula secured 51.79 per cent of valid votes, equivalent to 64,256,232 ballots, while Bolsonaro received 48.21 per cent, or 59,826,041 votes. The result gives Lula a fourth, non-consecutive term in office.
The outcome prompted messages from leaders across the political spectrum, with several highlighting democratic participation and opportunities to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Latin America’s largest economy.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the result in a post on X, writing, “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won.”
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also congratulated Lula, describing the outcome as a “historic victory” that would continue Brazil’s pursuit of peace, sovereignty and social justice.
Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi said he had spoken directly with Lula to congratulate him, describing the electoral process as a democratic celebration.
Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori praised Brazil’s election as a “democratic day” and expressed her government’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Brasília.
“I reaffirm our willingness to strengthen our strategic alliance, integration, cooperation, and the sustainable development of the Amazon that we share, for the benefit of both our peoples,” she said.
European leaders also welcomed Lula’s victory, emphasising democracy, multilateral cooperation and continued engagement with Brazil.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the result as a win for “democracy and multilateralism”, while French President Emmanuel Macron called for stronger strategic ties between France and Brazil.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez portrayed Lula’s return to office as part of a broader progressive resurgence, saying, “What has happened in Brazil will happen in Spain.”
His comments came as Spain approached a national vote, placing the Brazilian result within a wider debate over political trends in Europe and Latin America.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his congratulations and said he looked forward to expanding the strategic partnership between India and Brazil.
China also congratulated Lula, with its foreign ministry expressing readiness to continue advancing bilateral cooperation.
The messages reflect the importance of Brazil’s international relationships, including its role in the BRICS grouping and its influence on regional issues such as trade, environmental protection and the future of the Amazon.
Lula’s victory also received acknowledgements from conservative leaders whose political positions differ from his left-wing agenda.
Chile’s President José Antonio Kast, an ally of the Bolsonaro political camp, said Brazil and Chile had a shared future and highlighted the potential for closer economic integration and cooperation against organised crime.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa likewise called for collaboration, saying the region had common challenges and much to gain from working together.
The reactions suggest that, despite political differences, several governments intend to maintain working relationships with Lula’s administration.
The congratulatory messages came as Bolsonaro refused to accept the result and challenged aspects of the voting process.
International recognition of Lula’s victory, however, followed the official announcement by Brazil’s electoral authority.
The narrow margin between the candidates underscores the depth of political division in the country.
Lula’s next term will require his administration to govern a country whose electorate remains split between competing political visions.
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For Brazil’s international partners, attention will now turn to the policies Lula pursues during his new term and how his government manages relations on trade, climate policy, regional security and global diplomacy.
