A more democratic, prosperous, and hopeful Brazil awaits! The Party of European Socialists (PES) congratulates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – known as Lula – on his victory at the presidential run-off election on Sunday.
Lula’s victory is a remarkable achievement, as he could not run in the previous presidential election because he was put in jail and banned from standing for office by his opponent Jair Bolsonaro.
The PES and progressives around the world watched the election with great interest and will continue to closely monitor developments to ensure the peaceful transition of power to the new administration.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Hope has triumphed over hate. The promise of a better future has inspired millions, carrying Lula back to high office. I send my warm congratulation to him on this incredible result.
It is clear that the Bolsonaro governing has been rejected by voters. It is time to undo the rampant inequalities and restrictions on civil liberties that he put in place, and to heal the country after his catastrophic management of the pandemic and the economy.
I met President Lula already in 2007 when I was President of the Swedish Metal Workers Union. We share the same background and we share the same commitment to equality. Lula, as President (2003-2010), presided over the greatest income redistribution to lower classes in the history of Brazil. I do understand that hope has returned to the people of Brazil. Together we need to work for the protection of climate, democracy, and peace and security.”
Lula, from the workers’ party (PT), started his political activity at the Brazilian metal workers’ union, and as President (2003-2010) presided over the greatest income redistribution to lower classes in the history of Brazil. After overturning a wrongful conviction that banned him from politics, Lula campaign for the 2022 presidential elections focused again on help for the poorest, protecting the environment, and returning hope to Brazil.
Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva has been a welcome guest and speaker at PES events, and was last year in Brussels to meet the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament and representatives of the PES. He was also a keynote speaker at the PES international conference in Berlin some years before his wrongful imprisonment in 2018.
