The presidential election in Brazil is entering a second round. Like four years ago, there are two names to choose from: Lula and Bolsonaro. This time, however, Lula's challenger's first name is Flávio.
Lula will face Flávio Bolsonaro in a runoff election at the end of October. Photo: Marcelo Camargo/Lucas Landau/Agencia Brazil/AP/dpa
Brasilia. The presidential election in Brazil will be decided in a runoff between the left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro. According to preliminary information from the electoral authorities, after 97 percent of the votes were counted, Lula got around 44.6 percent, his right-wing rival got 47.4 percent - both of them missed the absolute majority required for victory in the first round of voting. It will be decided on October 25th whether the 80-year-old Lula will run for a fourth term in office or the 45-year-old son of former President Jair Bolsonaro will take over the government. Around 159 million Brazilians were called to vote.
Lula from the PT workers' party stands for the continuation of the policies he has pursued since 2023 with social programs, public investments and a stronger role for the state. Flávio Bolsonaro from the Liberal Party PL, on the other hand, promises a leaner state, spending cuts and a tougher line against crime. The election campaign is characterized by strong polarization.
Lula ruled Brazil from 2003 to 2011. His record during the current term is mixed: unemployment fell, the minimum wage was raised and deforestation in the Amazon region fell. At the same time, rising living costs, high government spending and debts as well as corruption scandals are putting pressure on the government.
Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to prison
Four years ago, Lula faced off against Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for his role in an attempted coup. Now his son wants to continue his father's political legacy. One of his central campaign promises is an amnesty for his father.
Other members of the Bolsonaro family have already achieved electoral success: Former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro was elected to the Senate in the Federal District of Brasília. Carlos Bolsonaro, another son of the former president, also won a Senate seat - in the southern state of Santa Catarina.
Security as a central election campaign issue
Crime is one of the main concerns of many Brazilians. Drug gangs such as the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the Comando Vermelho (CV) control areas in parts of the country and are involved in drug trafficking and other illegal businesses. Violence against women also remains a major problem.
Flávio Bolsonaro is taking a particularly tough course. During the election campaign, he announced around half a million additional detention places and high-security prisons based on the model in El Salvador. He also wants to fight criminal organizations more strongly. Lula is placing greater emphasis on combating the financial structures of organized crime.
Trump and sovereignty
Foreign policy was also part of the election campaign. US President Donald Trump had politically supported Jair Bolsonaro and criticized the criminal prosecution of the former head of state. Flávio Bolsonaro became closer to Trump's political camp during the election campaign and met him at the White House in Washington. Lula, on the other hand, is placing greater emphasis on defending Brazilian sovereignty and trying to stabilize relations with the USA despite conflicts with Washington.
Since Trump's return to the White House, Latin America's political landscape has changed. Right-wing candidates have recently won presidential elections in countries such as Bolivia, Chile and Colombia. At the same time, after the arrest of Venezuelan head of state Nicolás Maduro, the US government is working more closely with Venezuela's incumbent President Delcy Rodríguez, including in the oil sector.
As the largest economy and most populous country in Latin America, Brazil is an important political player in the region - a victory for Lula would keep the country as a political counterpoint to the regional shift to the right. Under Flávio Bolsonaro, Brazil would orient itself more towards Washington and conservative governments in the region, which would also significantly expand Trump's influence in Latin America.
Dispute over justice and corruption
The election campaign was also marked by the dispute over the Supreme Court (STF). The focus was on the case surrounding Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of the Banco Master bank, who is being investigated by the federal police for financial crimes worth billions and allegations of corruption. News from Vorcaro to STF judge Alexandre de Moraes as well as a contract for around 131 million reals between the bank and the law firm of Moraes' wife became known. Moraes, who played a central role in the trial against Jair Bolsonaro, denies allegations of wrongdoing. The case led to arguments among several STF judges.
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Flávio Bolsonaro repeatedly criticized Moraes and the court harshly, but also came into the focus of investigators himself: the financing of the film “Dark Horse” about his father involves, among other things, payments from Vorcaro. Flávio Bolsonaro denies irregularities.
Congress remains crucial
Regardless of the outcome of the runoff election, the future government will rely on majorities in Congress. At the same time as the president, members of parliament and senators, among others, were elected on Sunday.
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