Lula’s Fourth Term Delivers a New Blow to Trump’s Latin American Ambitions
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a fourth, non-consecutive term as Brazil’s president, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro by nearly 4.4 million votes in the October 25, 2026, runoff, according to the country’s electoral authority. Lula thanked Brazilian voters, particularly young people who defended democracy, and described the victory as a mandate for a more just, sovereign and democratic nation.
The result represents a setback for US President Donald Trump’s influence in Latin America, where right-wing candidates aligned with him have gained ground. Lula has repeatedly defended Brazil’s sovereignty amid tensions over US trade tariffs and warned against greater American control of the country. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat and called for the results to be annulled, questioning a last-minute decision to extend voting hours by two hours, although both candidates had requested the extension.
Lula’s victory followed a difficult campaign shaped by concerns over living costs, crime and corruption controversies involving political figures and their associates. The veteran leader previously governed Brazil from 2003 to 2010 before returning to power in 2023 after defeating Jair Bolsonaro in 2022. His new term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027, placing Brazil at the centre of an ongoing regional debate over democracy, national sovereignty and relations with Washington.
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