Brazil elections: Merz, world leaders congratulate Lula on his win

Skip next section WATCH: Brazil's Lula celebrates election victory as Bolsonaro rejects results

October 26, 2026

WATCH: Brazil's Lula celebrates election victory as Bolsonaro rejects results

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has won a historic fourth term after defeating far-right rival Flavio Bolsonaro in a runoff election.

It's a historic political comeback for Lula who trailed in the first round.

DW reports from Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil's Lula celebrates election victory as Bolsonaro rejects results

https://p.dw.com/p/5Oh15

Skip next section Sao Paulo stock exchange halts trading over sharp drop after Lula win

October 26, 2026

Sao Paulo stock exchange halts trading over sharp drop after Lula win

Trading on the Sao Paulo stock exchange, the largest in Latin America, was suspended for 30 minutes on Monday after plummeting nearly 17% in the wake of the re-election of left-wing Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated conservative Flavio Bolsonaro.

The sharp drop in the benchmark Ibovespa index triggered a 30-minute "circuit breaker" mechanism provided for "periods of sharp market decline," according to a stock exchange statement.

Meanwhile, the US dollar surged 12% against Brazil's currency, one of the real's biggest ‌daily moves on record.

Prices of raw sugar, one of Brazil's most important exports, slid nearly 5% on the collapsing exchange rate.

Prediction markets had indicated a Bolsonaro win but the right-wing senator's refusal to concede defeat and ​his pledge to challenge the election result have added to investor uncertainty.

"Important for local financial markets will be how quickly Bolsonaro accepts the result, or at least allows the constitution to run its course," Chris Turner, a strategist at ING in London, told the Reuters news agency as attention turned to Lula's choice of finance minister — a clue as to his fiscal approach.

"The key signal for markets will ⁠be the ​next Lula administration's commitment to fiscal discipline, starting with the appointment of a new finance minister in coming weeks," RBC BlueBay Asset Management's Graham ​Stock told Reuters.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Oguf

Skip next section Germany's Merz wants to deepen 'the strategic partnership' with Brazil

October 26, 2026

Germany's Merz wants to deepen 'the strategic partnership' with Brazil

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has joined the chorus of world leaders  congratulating Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his re-election.

"I look forward to further deepening the strategic partnership between Germany and Brazil together," Merz said in a message posted on X.

Germany and Brazil held government consultations in Hannover in April of this year, at which Merz and Lula agreed to cooperate more closely on defense and raw materials, among other things.
 

https://p.dw.com/p/5OgI8

Skip next section Brazilian markets poised for sharp drop Monday after Lula win

October 26, 2026

Brazilian markets poised for sharp drop Monday after Lula win

Brazilian markets are bracing for heavy selling on Monday, with futures of Brazil's benchmark stock index ‌Bovespa ⁠falling ⁠nearly 15% in early Monday ​trading 

On global markets, the iShares MSCI Brazil ETF, which tracks a basket of major Brazilian stocks, plunged as much as 26% in premarket trading as investors unwind bets on a right-wing victory. 

Brazilian Real November futures also fell 10% in Asian trading, while US-listed shares of Brazilian stocks dropped as well, with energy giant Petrobras plunging more than 20% and banking group Itau Unibanco cratering almost 30%.

Investors had seen election loser Flavio Bolsonaro as the candidate most likely to boost markets with fiscal austerity and deregulation, while Lula has pursued policies of redistribution and state-led development, including costly welfare programs.

https://p.dw.com/p/5OgH1

Skip next section Russia says it welcomes Lula's re-election

October 26, 2026

Russia says it welcomes Lula's re-election

The Kremlin said on Monday it welcomed Lula's victory and praised what it said were his efforts to cultivate Brazil-Russia ties.

"We welcome Mr. Lula's victory. He does a lot, not only for the development of bilateral relations but also for advancing processes within the framework of BRICS," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

He said Russia hoped for more of the same.

Lula himself has possibly put Brazil in the Kremlin's good books by not joining Western sanctions on Russia over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and calling for a negotiated peace.

However, he has called on all nations to adhere to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter, thus implicitly condemning Russia's aggression.

Brazil and Russia are both members of BRICS, an international cooperation group founded in 2009 along with India and China, with South Africa joining a year later, and taking all those countries' first initials to make up its name.

It has since then been expanded to include 10 member nations in all, with a number of "partner countries" also invited in 2024.

https://p.dw.com/p/5OfaK

Skip next section Votes tallied in Brazil's presidential election after polls close

Published October 25, 2026last updated October 26, 2026

Votes tallied in Brazil's presidential election after polls close

Here's a DW infographic on where the results stand:

https://p.dw.com/p/5Oejt

Skip next section France, China, Spain congratulate Lula on victory

October 26, 2026

France, China, Spain congratulate Lula on victory

Messages of congratulations continue to rain in from around the world following Lula's unexpected win.

China's response was measured, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying that "China has noted that Brazil's Superior Electoral Court has announced President Lula has won the second round of the Brazilian general election, and expresses its congratulations."

Guo added that Beijing was "willing to work with Brazil to continue advancing the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future."

French President Emmanuel Macron, after expressing his congratulations, said Brazil and France should work to "strengthen our strategic partnership."

"France and Brazil have much to build together," Macron said X, adding that the two countries should nurture their friendship "in the service of a fairer world."

Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, was more effusive, casting Lula's victory as evidence that the world is experiencing a backlash to its seeming rightwards political trajectory at present.

"A great victory for Lula! What has happened in Brazil will happen in Spain. The global progressive comeback has just begun," Sanchez, who has called snap elections in November, posted on X.

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Skip next section Big challenges face Lula's fourth term

October 26, 2026

Big challenges face Lula's fourth term

 Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva  is likely to face several difficulties in enacting his agenda in a fourth-term.

 Among other things, Brazil has elected its most conservative congress since the country's return to democracy in the 1980s.

Flavio Bolsonaro's ​Liberal Party and allies could control more than 280 seats in the 513-seat lower ⁠house and up to 50 seats in the 81-seat Senate following parliamentary elections three weeks ago.

This could lead to Lula's being forced to cede to congress on decisions about the budget, important legislation and key nominations.

Economic woes

Brazil is also in a period of weak economic growth, with his government forecasting just a 2.3% rise in GDP next year.

This is combined with public debt that surpasses 82% of GDP, the highest rate since the coronavirus pandemic.

Security concerns

Public security also remains a major concern in Brazil, with criminal organizations holding considerable influence in parts of the country.

Lula has said he plans to establish a Ministry of Public Security to combat the problem.

Environmental problems

There are also environmental challenges ahead.

Although deforestation in the Amazon — a major carbon sink and thus vital for the stability of the world climate — fell significantly during Lula's third term, Brazil is still a long way from its goal of ending deforestation by 2030.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Of8X

Skip next section EU's von der Leyen hails Lula's win

October 26, 2026

EU's von der Leyen hails Lula's win

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has posted an online message of congratulation to "my friend" Lula on his win in Brazil's election runoff. 

"Democracy and multilateralism have won in Brazil," she wrote.

"Europe's partnership with Brazil is thriving. We will remain by your side for the years to come," her post continued. 

"Together we will keep working closely for free and open trade. A rules-based global order. And strong ambitions for our climate."

https://p.dw.com/p/5Of70

Skip next section Could Bolsonaro succeed in annulling the vote?

October 26, 2026

Could Bolsonaro succeed in annulling the vote?

Some uncertainty still surrounds the final result of Brazil's election, as Flavio Bolsonaro has vowed to challenge the outcome over the two-hour extension of polling hours ordered by a Supreme Court judge at the request of Lula da Silva's campaign.

However, legal experts have expressed doubt as to whether such a complaint would meet the legal threshold for the election to be annulled.

Bolsonaro's case would be weakened by at least two factors, analysts said. Firstly, the scale of his loss to Lula and second, the fact that his campaign had also requested an extension in some states.

The president of the electoral court, Kassio Nunes Marques, said that the extension of voting hours had not influenced the vote.

The Associated Press cited Joao Pedro Padua, a law professor at Brazil's Fluminense Federal University, as saying that Bolsonaro could ask for the elections to be declared null and void by filing a complaint with electoral authorities or the Supreme Court.

"But there isn't much legal basis for that," Padua said.

"The extension of voting hours is unusual, but for it to invalidate the elections, the candidate would have to prove that it affected voters' ability to freely express their will. There doesn't seem to have been any such impact," he said.

Shortly before scheduled voting ended, Supreme Court Judge Christiano had ordered polling stations to remain open for longer after problems with public transport were reported to be affecting voters.

The decision followed a request from Lula's campaign.

Bolsonaro's campaign had also called for an extension of voting hours but only in some conservative-leaning southern states hit by heavy rainfall, flooding and power outages that were said to be disrupting voting.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Of5C

Skip next section Flavio Bolsonaro rejects defeat, seeks annulment of Brazil election

October 26, 2026

Flavio Bolsonaro rejects defeat, seeks annulment of Brazil election

Right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro has rejected his defeat to incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s presidential run-off, calling for the election to be annulled over a two-hour extension of voting hours.

Speaking to reporters after the electoral court declared Lula the winner, Bolsonaro said he could not accept the result. He criticized a decision by Supreme Court judge Cristiano Zanin to extend voting hours nationwide, arguing that it had changed the rules of the election.

"What happened today was not normal. It was unacceptable," Bolsonaro said, arguing that the nationwide extension had undermined equal treatment between states. He said he would take legal action against the result.

Lula’s campaign had requested the extension, citing difficulties transporting voters to polling stations in several states. Bolsonaro’s campaign had also sought extra voting time, but only in municipalities across five states, citing heavy rain, flooding and power outages.

https://p.dw.com/p/5OetN

Skip next section Lula says Brazilians voted to defend democracy, vows to resist US influence

October 26, 2026

Lula says Brazilians voted to defend democracy, vows to resist US influence

Brazilians voted to "guarantee democracy," President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Sunday after beating Flavio Bolsonaro to win an unprecedented fourth term.

In a post on X, Lula thanked Brazilians, particularly young people who took to the streets in defense of democracy, saying: "This victory belongs to a people who believe, who fight, and who never give up on building a more just, sovereign, and democratic Brazil."

In his victory speech, Lula reiterated that Brazil would "not accept being anyone’s backyard," a recurring campaign message defending the country’s sovereignty against US influence. The stance may have helped him win votes, with some voters viewing Washington’s actions as interference.

Relations between the two countries deteriorated in 2025, when the US imposed tariffs on Brazil in retaliation for legal proceedings against former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was later convicted of coup-plotting.

Speaking in a hoarse voice, Lula thanked his campaign team and Brazilians, particularly young people who took to the streets to defend democracy. He described the result as a "loss for negativity, lies."

The re-elected president also promised better regulation of big tech platforms, after Meta was the subject of legal complaints over alleged "interference" throughout the polarizing campaign.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Oet9

Skip next section Latin American leaders congratulate Lula on election victory

October 26, 2026

Latin American leaders congratulate Lula on election victory

Several Latin American leaders congratulated leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his victory.

Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast said he had spoken to Lula and congratulated him, adding that "Chile and Brazil have a lot of shared future ahead."

Mexico’s left-wing President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Lula on his victory, writing on X: "Long live democracy, the people of Brazil won. Congratulations, President Lula!"

The presidents of Uruguay, Paraguay, Panama and Bolivia also congratulated Lula in posts on X.

Cuba’s president congratulated Lula on X, calling him "dear brother" and praising his victory as a win for peace, sovereignty and social justice.

https://p.dw.com/p/5OesY

Skip next section IN PICTURES: Lula supporters celebrate, while Bolsonaro's fans disappointed

Published October 26, 2026last updated October 26, 2026

IN PICTURES: Lula supporters celebrate, while Bolsonaro's fans disappointed

https://p.dw.com/p/5OepC

Skip next section Brazil's Lula defeats conservative Flavio Bolsonaro in presidential election

Published October 26, 2026last updated October 26, 2026

Brazil's Lula defeats conservative Flavio Bolsonaro in presidential election

Brazil's leftist president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has won a fourth term in office, defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a presidential runoff, according to the country's electoral court. 

Lula overcame his first-round defeat to Bolsonaro to secure victory in the runoff. The nearly 81-year-old leader won 51.7% of the vote, compared with 48.2% for Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Sunday's second round vote was thrown into confusion after a last-minute Supreme Court ruling extended voting by two hours, following Lula's claim that buses had been taken off the roads in several cities, preventing some voters from reaching polling stations.

Pollsters said higher-than-expected turnout appeared to have benefited Lula. Conservative candidates in Brazil typically lead early in the count, while left-wing candidates gain ground as votes from poorer, more populous northeastern states come in.

Lula will have to manage relations with Washington as the Trump administration in the US increasingly asserts its influence across Latin America. Trump is a close political ally of the Bolsonaro family, and Flavio Bolsonaro had campaigned on a promise of closer cooperation with Washington.

Around 159 million Brazilians were eligible to vote. Under Lula’s left-wing Workers’ Party, unemployment fell to a record low, poverty declined, the minimum wage rose and deforestation in the Amazon decreased. Congress also approved the gradual introduction of a five-day working week with two days off.

However, rising living costs, high public debt, Lula’s spending policies and a scandal involving alleged pension fraud weighed on his government. The economic challenges left many voters dissatisfied with his record and open to a return of the Bolsonaro family to power.

The campaign season was also marred by scandals and mudslinging.

Lula finished the first round with 45% of the vote, two percentage points behind Flavio Bolsonaro. He became the first candidate since Brazil restored direct presidential elections in 1989 to overcome a first-round deficit and win the runoff.

The former trade unionist, who served as president from 2003 to 2010 before returning to office in 2023, now faces a challenging fourth term with a strong right-wing opposition.

Lula will have to manage relations with Washington as the Trump administration in the US increasingly asserts its influence across Latin America. US President Donald Trump is a close political ally of the Bolsonaro family, and Flavio Bolsonaro had campaigned on a promise of closer cooperation with Washington.