Simões calls Lula's Minas Gerais victory a 'very serious mistake'

Brazilian President Lula da Silva won re-election, defeating candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in a runoff. Minas Gerais Governor Mateus Simões called the result a "very serious mistake" that his state helped consolidate. Simões, of the PSD party, said the federal government is one of "setbacks" that promised "the world and everything" while the people will pay the price. He stated he received the election result with concern and remains in opposition, vowing Minas will join "resistance" against "authoritarian abuses." Minas Gerais and Amazonas, known as "pendulum states" for lacking consistent political preferences, again mirrored the national presidential winner. Simões, who lost his own re-election bid to Cleitinho Azevedo, will leave office in January 2027.