Lula wins comeback in Brazil, defeated Flávio Bolsonaro leaves for US

In the second round of Brazil's presidential election, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated Liberal Party senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who had led in the first round, has not conceded defeat.

According to Reuters, he left Brazil for the United States on Tuesday, and the US State Department has said it will issue visas to him and his family. His wife and two daughters are also reported to be preparing to travel to the US.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he would allow Bolsonaro to come to the US. Calling the election "strange," he said he was not taking any side. President Lula, however, has accused the US of giving political support to the Bolsonaro family.

Born in October 1945 to a poor rural family in northeastern Brazil, Lula rose from trade union leader to co-found the Workers' Party in 1980. He was elected president in 2002, 2006 and 2022. His flagship policy is considered to be the "Bolsa Família" cash support program for poor families, while in foreign policy he has prioritized cooperation among BRICS nations and ties with China.

Lula is scheduled to begin his fourth four-year term on January 5, 2027.