Lula wins fourth term after comeback in Brazil runoff

Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth presidential term on October 25, defeating Flavio Bolsonaro in a runoff after trailing in the first round. The 80-year-old secured 51.7 percent of the vote. Lula's comeback was fueled by populist promises, including a 15 percent increase in welfare payments and debt relief for small businesses. Improved voter turnout, which fell from 21.08 to 19.21 percent abstention, also helped his campaign. Lula faces a challenging term with a lack of congressional majority, high public debt exceeding 80 percent of GDP, and strained relations with the US over tariffs. His victory marks an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive term.