After Lula’s sensational victory in Brazil’s presidential election, post reader questions for Guardian Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips
A comeback and a fourth term
Lula lost the first round to far-right rival Flávio Bolsonaro, then won the second round. The victory secured him a fourth presidential term and a place as Brazil’s longest-serving leader.
The result followed a major political turnaround, but the country remains deeply divided. Questions remain about how Lula will govern and what his win could mean for Brazil’s future.
Bolsonaro disputes the result
Flávio Bolsonaro refused to accept Lula’s victory, echoing his father’s response to the previous presidential election. Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison term for his role in an attempted coup after that contest. Flávio Bolsonaro described Lula’s win as “sacanagem,” a Portuguese term roughly translated as “bullshit.”
Challenges facing Lula
Lula will need to work with a hostile Congress that includes many Bolsonaro allies if he wants significant legislative changes. Brazil is also dealing with soaring debt and entrenched structural problems. As Lula turns 81, questions include whether he can withstand far-right opposition through another four years and prepare the way for a credible successor.
Tom Phillips takes questions
Guardian Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips is scheduled to answer questions about the election, its implications for Brazil and the region, and what the country’s future may hold. The session is listed for 15:00 GMT on Tuesday 27 October. Readers can submit questions in the comments by logging in or signing up, or email conversations@theguardian.com.
Key points
- Lula won the second round after losing to Flávio Bolsonaro in the first.
- The victory gives Lula a fourth presidential term and makes him Brazil’s longest-serving leader.
- Lula faces a divided country, a hostile Congress and a difficult economic outlook.
- Tom Phillips is set to answer readers’ questions about Brazil’s election and future.