Sheinbaum celebrates Lula da Silva's victory in presidential election; "the people of Brazil won"

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo congratulated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday following his victory in Brazil’s presidential election. Through social media posts, Sheinbaum declared that the people of Brazil had won. She wrote, “Long live democracy, the people of Brazil have won. Congratulations President Lula!” The Mexican leader emphasized that this outcome represents a triumph for democratic processes in South America. Lula, who is nearly 81 years old, secured an unprecedented fourth term as president of the largest country in Latin America. He defeated Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, in the second round of voting. Polls had predicted a closer race, yet Lula overcame his first-round deficit to claim the presidency. This result marks a deviation from the rightward political shifts observed in neighboring nations such as Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. Those countries have received support from United States President Donald Trump. Consequently, Brazil remains one of the few progressive strongholds in the region. The electoral day was marked by logistical challenges. Voting centers extended their operating hours by two hours after Lula alleged obstacles in public transportation in cities including Sao Paulo and Salvador. Despite these issues, turnout remained high. In Rio de Janeiro, supporters gathered at Cinelandia square, where many were seen crying upon hearing the results. One supporter, a 33-year-old lawyer named Mariana Andrade, described the moment as a historic victory. She noted that the populace had mobilized and united to achieve this outcome. In Sao Paulo, Lula appeared in a video posted online, jumping with joy while wearing red star-shaped glasses. He was scheduled to address the press later from a hotel in the city. The candidate had previously lost the first round to Flavio Bolsonaro, making his comeback statistically rare. No candidate who lost the initial vote had managed to win the runoff since Brazil’s first direct election after its dictatorship ended in 1989. Sheinbaum highlighted the economic achievements of Lula’s previous administrations during her remarks. She stated that the Brazilian economy maintained growth exceeding three percent, inflation moderated, and unemployment saw significant reduction. She also pointed to the strengthening of minimum wages and the recovery of family incomes. These factors, she argued, improved living conditions for millions of Brazilians. The Mexican Foreign Ministry also issued statements celebrating the result. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco wrote that Mexico and Brazil would continue walking together as brotherly peoples. The ministry reiterated its willingness to strengthen friendship, political dialogue, and bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both populations and Latin America. Earlier in August, Sheinbaum held a telephone call with Lula. During that conversation, they reviewed joint advances in trade matters. They also discussed collaboration between Mexico’s state oil company, Pemex, and Brazil’s Petrobras. Last Wednesday, Sheinbaum acknowledged that the understanding for collaboration between Pemex and Petrobras was paused due to the ongoing elections in Brazil. She indicated that officials would wait for the process to conclude before resuming discussions. Sheinbaum asserted that Mexico and Brazil share a vision of prosperity, welfare, and sovereignty. She expressed confidence that coordinated work could further strengthen economic, commercial, and energy ties between the two nations. The goal, she added, is to build a bilateral relationship that becomes increasingly solid for the mutual benefit of both countries. The focus remains on deepening existing partnerships while navigating the new political landscape established by Lula’s return to power.