From Mark Carney to Bernie Sanders: International reactions to Lula da Silva's victory in Brazil

The victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the presidential election in Brazil prompted reactions from various international leaders. The Brazilian president secured a fourth term after defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in the runoff election, who refused to accept the result.

On Sunday night, Latin American presidents took to social media to congratulate Lula. Even figures from the Democratic Party weighed in on the matter.

As of 11 p.m. Eastern Time, there had still been no official response from the Trump administration.

World

Lula wins fourth term in Brazil after historic comeback as Flávio Bolsonaro rejects election results

Joaquín Núñez

International Reactions to Lula da Silva's Victory

• China: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that “China has noted that Brazil's Superior Electoral Court announced President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's victory in the second round of Brazil's presidential election, and extends its congratulations. China stands ready to work with Brazil to steadily advance the building of the China-Brazil community with a shared future.”

• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “Congratulations to my friend [Lula da Silva] on his electoral victory. Democracy and multilateralism have won in Brazil. Europe’s partnership with Brazil is thriving. We will remain by your side for the years to come. Together we will keep working closely for free and open trade. A rules-based global order. And strong ambitions for our climate.”

• Emmanuel Macron, president of France: “My most sincere congratulations, Lula, on your reelection. France and Brazil have much to build together. In the face of the great challenges of our time, let us strengthen our strategic partnership and bring the friendship between our two countries to life in the service of a more just world.”

• Pedro Sánchez, prime minister of Spain: “A great victory for Lula! What has happened in Brazil will happen in Spain. The global progressive comeback has just begun.”

• Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada: "Congratulations, President Lula, on your re-election in Brazil. The relationship between Canada and Brazil has flourished under our partnership. Let’s seize this opportunity to make it even stronger, together — to create major new trade opportunities, protect the environment, and build greater prosperity for both our peoples." 

• José Antonio Kast, president of Chile: “I just spoke with the President of Brazil, ⁠Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Chile and Brazil have a lot of shared future ahead, and we will continue working on an agenda that strengthens relations between our countries in economic ​integration and ​the fight against organized crime in the ​region.”

• Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico: “Long live democracy, ‌the people of Brazil won. Congratulations, President Lula!” 

• Miguel Díaz-Canel, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba: “Dear Brother Lula, I congratulate you on behalf of the Cuban government and people on this historic victory, which ensures the continuation of the path of peace, sovereignty, and social justice embarked upon by the Brazilian people under your leadership. Brazil can count on Cuba in building the unity and integration of our Patria Grande—Latin America and the Caribbean.” 

• Keiko Fujimori, president of Peru: “I congratulate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his reelection and extend my best wishes to the Brazilian people on this historic day for democracy. As we approach the bicentennial of our diplomatic relations, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our strategic alliance, integration, cooperation, and the sustainable development of the Amazon region we share, for the benefit of both our peoples." 

• Santiago Peña, president of Paraguay: “Congratulations, Lula, on your election as President of Brazil. I salute the Brazilian people on this great day for democracy. Paraguay and Brazil share a common agenda of integration and development. We will continue to work together for the well-being of our people.”

• José Raúl Mulino, president of Panama: “I congratulate the Brazilian people on this democratic milestone and especially President Lula on his victory. We will continue to work together for the benefit of our countries.”

• Gavin Newsom, governor of California: "Gavin Newsom and all of California are proud to stand with Brazil and partners around the world who share our commitment to defending democracy, protecting our environment, strengthening workers’ rights, and building an economy that works for working families." 

• Rodrigo Paz Pereira, president of Bolivia: “I congratulate President Lula on his victory. Bolivia and Brazil are neighboring and sister nations, united by a shared history and common challenges. We will continue to work together to strengthen our relationship and create more opportunities for our nations.” 

• Yamandú Orsi, president of Uruguay: “I just spoke with Brazil’s president-elect, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a friend of mine. I congratulated him on his victory and on the celebration of democracy that an electoral process represents.” 

• Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont: "Congratulations to Lula on his extraordinary reelection victory in the Brazilian presidential election. Lula has stood up for Brazilian workers & democracy — and will continue to do so in the next four years."

• Daniel Noboa, president of Ecuador: “Congratulations, Lula, on this victory. Our region has common enemies, shared challenges, and much to gain when we work together.” 

• Luis Abinader, president of Dominican Republic: “I commend the Brazilian people for the civic-minded and participatory election held today. To President Lula, congratulations on your election to a new term. May we continue to work together during this renewed four-year term toward a more integrated and prosperous Latin America.”