Lula's victory resonates throughout Latin America and the world

Lula's triumph resonates in Latin America and the world October 26, 2026—Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and other leftist leaders from across the Americas congratulated re-elected president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his "historic victory" for a fourth term in Brazil in a tight runoff election. From the right, some leaders such as Chile's José Antonio Kast and Peru's Keiko Fujimori were quick to greet Lula and recognize his victory, despite the fact that his conservative rival Flávio Bolsonaro said he would seek to annul the election. In an unexpected comeback after losing in the first round, the leftist leader won with 51.7% of the vote compared to Bolsonaro's 48.2%. For his part, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel congratulated his "brother" on his "historic victory" over the son of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), "which guarantees the continuity of the path of peace, sovereignty, and social justice." "Brazil can count on Cuba in the construction of the unity and integration of our Great Homeland, Latin American and Caribbean," he wrote on social networks. Separately, former Argentine president Cristina Kirchner (2007-2015), who is serving six years of house arrest for corruption, celebrated her "fellow president" Lula, who visited her in Buenos Aires in 2025. "Guatemala and Brazil share the conviction that governing is working for the common good," tweeted the social-democratic president of the Central American country, Bernardo Arévalo. From Uruguay, leftist leader Yamandú Orsi said he had communicated with his re-elected "friend" in the giant neighboring country. "I congratulated him on the victory and on the democratic celebration that an electoral process represents," he indicated on X. "Strategic Alliance" With Lula's victory, the region's largest economy remains one of the few progressive bastions. Brazil deviates from the rightward shift seen in countries like Argentina, Chile, or Colombia, with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump. "The people of Brazil have given a powerful demonstration of civic and democratic participation," said a statement from the Venezuelan foreign ministry, where interim president Delcy Rodríguez governs under heavy pressure from Washington. The president of Peru, the right-wing Keiko Fujimori, greeted the Brazilian people for Sunday's "democratic day" and congratulated Lula on his re-election. In the same tone, the far-right José Antonio Kast, a firm ally of Bolsonaro, said he had spoken with the Brazilian and extended his congratulations. "Chile and Brazil have a great future in common," the Chilean president noted. "We will continue working toward an agenda that strengthens the relations between our countries in economic integration and the fight against organized crime in the region," he added. Ecuador's Daniel Noboa, who advocates for a hard line against criminality, likewise called for cooperation during Lula's fourth term. "Our region has common enemies, shared challenges, and much to gain when we work together," the right-wing leader indicated on X. I hope "that in this renewed four-year term we continue working together for a more integrated and prosperous Latin America," said Dominican president Luis Abinader on that social network. Likewise, Paraguayan president Santiago Peña aspires to work alongside Lula "for the well-being" of their peoples. "The Progressive Comeback" Beyond Latin America, numerous world leaders reacted to Lula's triumph; he is heavily involved in international politics and a staunch defender of the Global South. The Chinese foreign ministry congratulated him and stated they would work "to continue advancing the construction of a community of shared future" between the two countries, partners in the BRICS bloc. Also within this alliance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the victory of his "dear friend" and ensured they would continue their cooperation to "advance the common priorities of the South." Prominent figures of global progressivism rejoiced at the victory, such as U.S. left-wing icon Bernie Sanders or Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen celebrated the result as a triumph for "democracy and multilateralism," and French leader Emmanuel Macron said they would work together with Lula for "a fairer world." And in Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the bilateral relationship that has "flourished" under Lula's leadership. "Let us seize this opportunity to make it even stronger, together," he said. ee (afp, efe) Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you trust this site for reliable information, please take a moment to select us as your preferred source on Google: click here and check the box or press the DW.com button to always see our verified news in your preferences.