Lula’s Brazil win deals a blow to Latin America’s far-right surge

Brazil's President Lula da Silva won reelection with 51.79% of valid votes, defeating far-right challenger Flávio Bolsonaro and reversing the first-round result, marking a significant setback for the global far-right movement in Latin America. Lula's victory was driven by social measures including increased cash-transfer benefits, support for small businesses, and a five-day working week approved during the campaign. Mass street protests and a WhatsApp channel called "Lula's Army" with over 10 million members boosted his support, while turnout reached its lowest abstention rate in 20 years. Lula faces a right-leaning Congress and opposition from the Bolsonaro movement, with the defeated candidate initially challenging the result before his party acknowledged it. The Trump administration alleged electoral fraud, while bolsonarismo's future is uncertain with Jair Bolsonaro imprisoned and Flávio under criminal investigation.