“I want to ask you sorry for the excitement.” Lula inacio Lula da Silva broke into tears as he received his diploma from the Supreme Electoral Court, marking him as president-elect. He spoke of the hardship endured in recent years, stressing that God exists and that his victory represents a restoration of democracy for the Brazilian people who have waited for change. Jair Bolsonaro had pledged to make Brazil a more developed and fairer country in response to the moment.
The Labor Party leader and deputy Geraldo Alckmin was accredited in Brasilia by Alexandre de Moraes, the chief official of the TSE. Moraes played a central role in the electoral defeat of Bolsonaro at the ballot box. Lula is set to take office on January 1 and has already outlined the first members of the cabinet. At the treasury, Fernando Haddad will take the helm, a rival in the 2018 race. Markets did not react with enthusiasm to the announced lineup.
Lula reflected on the country’s fragile moments, recalling past threats to democracy and urging society to learn a lesson from the rise of the far right. He urged the nation to ensure that such dangers are never repeated.
Speaking to his supporters, Lula criticized the use of false promises and large sums of money diverted from the public budget in political campaigns, without naming Bolsonaro directly. He framed the issue as a warning about electoral manipulation and corruption.
In parallel, Moraes emphasized the transparency of the elections, noting that both rounds were conducted without irregularities. He acknowledged that critics have accused the process of extremes and authoritarian tendencies, yet the review found no substantial evidence of fraud.
Bolsonaro’s brief appearance
Brasilia remains a hub of activity. Shortly after the ceremony at the TSE, the outgoing president, who had remained quiet since October 30, appeared at his official residence, the Alvorada Palace, greeting protesters who voiced coup slogans. Supporters urged a military intervention, as demonstrations continued around the presidency. Bolsonaro did not speak publicly, but tensions escalated when a group of far-right supporters attacked the Federal Police headquarters in protest of an arrest warrant targeting a Bolsonaro loyalist.
Over the weekend, Bolsonaro addressed his base from the same venue. He accepted gifts, greeted children, prayed with a priest, and participated in a flag-raising ceremony. The accompanying priest urged demonstrators to affirm that the Armed Forces will not tolerate lawlessness and to uphold democratic norms. The scene underscored that a new administration would soon begin its third term in the country’s history.
Bolsonaro stressed the constitutional duty of the presidency, including the role of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, as essential to the governance of any nation. He asserted that the Armed Forces would be a stabilizing force while signaling a challenge to socialist ideas that he warned could undermine the political system.