Lula's reelection breaks South America's rightward shift

Lula's reelection stands out against a right-wing advance in South America, where seven of twelve countries are now governed by right-wing leaders. Brazil's victory leaves five nations under left or center-left governments. Conservative candidates recently won presidential elections in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, a movement strengthened since Donald Trump returned to the US presidency in January 2025. These right-wing governments share conservative positions but do not form a homogeneous bloc. Besides Brazil, left or center-left governments remain in Uruguay, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. Venezuela is a particular case after Nicolás Maduro's capture, with Delcy Rodríguez assuming interim control. French Guiana is excluded from the count as a French overseas territory.