Lula da Silva returns to Brazil's presidency after defeating Bolsonaro

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a fourth, non-consecutive term as Brazil's president, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in a fiercely contested election. The victory strengthens the left's position in Latin America amid Donald Trump's growing influence, marking another comeback for the former metalworker who overcame corruption convictions and imprisonment. With all votes counted, Brazil's electoral court declared Lula the winner by nearly 4.4 million votes over Bolsonaro, a senator and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The result followed a turbulent election evening with polling station confusion after voting hours were extended by two hours. Lula's win keeps Latin America's largest economy, with a GDP of $2.6 trillion, under left-of-centre leadership. Lula's political journey began in poverty in Pernambuco, leading to union activism in São Paulo's industrial belt and the founding of the Workers' Party. His social programmes, including Bolsa Família, defined his earlier terms, while his 2018 imprisonment on corruption convictions was later annulled. At nearly 81, he now faces challenges including the cost of living and public security.