Students, social movements and Lula supporters gathered in central São Paulo on Sunday to celebrate his election victory over Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and demand continued action to protect democracy.

The demonstration, organised by the National Union of Students (UNE), was held under the theme " Brazil with S: from the streets to the ballot box".

Protesters carried placards supporting indigenous communities, while student leaders criticised Bolsonaro's response to his electoral defeat.

UNE president Bianca Borges accused the senator of attempting to undermine the election result by declaring himself president.

"Today we have taken to the streets to denounce the coup attempt by the far right, expressed in the letter in which Flavio Bolsonaro proclaimed himself president of Brazil," Borges said.

She also claimed that the US Government had not supported Bolsonaro's position.

"The fact is that Flavio Bolsonaro disappeared from Brazil because he was not contesting an election, but a 'habeas corpus', and he knew that, as soon as his privileged immunity ended, he could be detained and tried for his crimes," Borges added about the charges against Bolsonaro, who is currently in the US.

Beyond the election, demonstrators raised concerns about reported violence against indigenous communities and called for greater protection of indigenous rights.

One protester, identified as Ana, said Lula's victory did not mean citizens should stop demanding political and social change.

"We have seen the power of protest and the unity of the people. And now that the elections are over, our struggle is not over," she said.

Ana also expressed concern about the "predominance of the right" in government positions, arguing that public participation remained necessary to influence Brazil's political direction.

"There are many reasons to demonstrate here in Brazil. There is no lack of reasons. Mainly because we have faced, and continue to face daily, a struggle for democracy," she noted.

Another demonstrator, Jose, said the mobilisation was intended to show that public protests could influence political developments beyond Brazil.

"That is precisely what we want to take to Latin America: the power of the streets, without conservatism, and to show that the street also has its own voice," he said.

The São Paulo demonstration was part of a wider series of events organised by UNE across Brazilian cities to maintain student and social movement participation in public debate.

“I didn't endorse in Brazil. I thought I'd stay out of that one,” Trump said. “The end result, you know, it's fine, the end result. But the way they got to the end was terrible.”

Trump also expressed support for defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro and his family, describing them as “fine people” and saying he would approve their entry into the United States .

Washington has already confirmed plans to grant US visas to Bolsonaro and his family, amid growing uncertainty over the senator's whereabouts.

Brazilian electoral authorities declared Lula the winner with 51.79% of valid votes, compared with Bolsonaro's 48.21%, a margin exceeding 4.4 million votes.

Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat, alleging electoral fraud. He also faces investigations into alleged corruption , money laundering and tax evasion, accusations he denies.

Speaking during celebrations marking his 81st birthday at Alvorada, Lula questioned why Bolsonaro had travelled abroad while facing judicial investigations.

"This act of leaving Brazil is, quite simply, shameful. I handed in my passport when I was asked to. He [Flavio Bolsonaro] should have handed in his, since the Federal Police suspected he was going to leave Brazil and, moreover, there is an open investigation against him," the president charged.

The remarks came two days after Lula secured re-election against the Liberal Party candidate.

Images released on Lula's YouTube channel on Tuesday showed him celebrating with his wife, Janja Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and dozens of supporters.

Lula also criticised Bolsonaro's relationship with the United States, whose government had backed his rival during the presidential campaign.

"Unfortunately, the Bolsonaro family is like that. Brazil is their second homeland; their true homeland is to be a bootlicker of the US, as they are wont to do," he asserted.

Drawing comparisons with his own political career, Lula recalled remaining in Brazil despite losing previous presidential elections.

He cited his defeat to Fernando Collor in 1989 and two subsequent losses to Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

"Here I am, being re-elected for a new term thanks to you. That is why I want to tell you: he who owes nothing, fears nothing. He who owes nothing, fears nothing. If a citizen leaves his country in secret, it is because he owes something," he maintained.

Bolsonaro's departure came after his election defeat and amid legal proceedings involving allegations that include money laundering.

Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered Bolsonaro to surrender his passports and imposed restrictions on his ability to leave Brazil.

During the birthday gathering, Lula also thanked Brazilians for supporting his re-election, while accusing digital platforms, the US government and parts of the financial sector of opposing his continued presidency.

"I feel a deep gratitude towards the Brazilian people, for the lesson that this people gave to the powerful who did not want us to continue governing this country," he said.

The president also joked about his age and how long he intended to live.

"I want to tell you to prepare physically, because I am going to live to 120!" he added.

In Spain, Janones has been invited to contribute to Sánchez's campaign for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) ahead of the November 29 election . His participation has not yet been confirmed.

In Mexico , Sheinbaum has invited the Brazilian lawmaker to discuss joint initiatives aimed at strengthening left-wing political movements in both countries. No date has been set for the visit.

In Brazil, Janones created and coordinated the WhatsApp channel "Lula's Army," which reportedly attracted nearly 11 million members during the final stages of the presidential campaign. The initiative expanded Lula's digital presence and organised coordinated online activities among supporters.

The invitations follow Lula's re-election, which brought greater attention to Janones' approach to political communication. Known for his confrontational style on social media, the lawmaker sought to increase the left's presence on platforms where supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro had established a strong following over the previous decade.

Janones calls his approach "Cultural Janonism," combining informal language, direct confrontation with political opponents, rapidly circulated content and continuous mobilisation of supporters.

From Lula's campaign to Spain's elections

According to Brazilian news outlet Metrópoles, Sánchez's invitation remains subject to discussions about Janones' participation, travel arrangements and expenses. The lawmaker had not confirmed whether he would accept the proposal.

The Spanish prime minister faces the November 29 election amid declining support for his socialist government, opposition from conservative parties and the growing influence of the far right.

Lula's victory attracted attention among progressive parties in Spain, which have presented the Brazilian election result as an example of overcoming an unfavourable electoral position.

Sánchez publicly celebrated Lula's re-election and linked the result to Spain's political situation. According to Spanish newspaper El País, left-wing parties in Spain are seeking to use Lula's victory to encourage progressive voters and strengthen their campaigns against political opponents.

Metrópoles also reported that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum invited Janones to visit Mexico to discuss initiatives aimed at strengthening the left.

Although the invitations have different objectives, both reflect interest in Janones' ability to organise supporters and use digital communication for political mobilisation.

What is Cultural Janonism?

"Cultural Janonism" is the term Janones uses to describe his communication strategy, which gained attention during Brazil's 2022 presidential election when he participated in Lula's campaign against Jair Bolsonaro.

The approach has been examined in academic research exploring how left-wing political movements adopt communication methods associated with the right.

Its main characteristics include conversational language, confrontational messaging and content designed to generate strong emotional reactions, particularly anger and indignation. Research into social media platforms has examined how emotionally engaging content can receive greater visibility through recommendation algorithms.

Rather than relying exclusively on official campaign accounts, the strategy encourages supporters to distribute political messages themselves.

Videos, memes, short posts and campaign slogans are shared by different users, allowing messages to reach audiences beyond the original accounts.

However, the approach also raises concerns. Confrontational communication can increase the reach of political messages while contributing to polarisation and the spread of misleading information.

Using these methods does not automatically guarantee democratic communication or reliable information.

How Janones helped organise Lula's digital campaign

Brazil's 2026 presidential election brought Cultural Janonism to a much larger audience.

After finishing the first round behind Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula needed to increase his support within the three weeks separating the two rounds.

Janones responded by expanding the activities of "Lula's Army," a WhatsApp channel established in April.

Initially created for communication among supporters, the channel developed into a platform for distributing campaign materials and coordinating digital activities.

According to Brazilian news outlet UOL, the channel surpassed eight million members on October 22 and approached 11 million during the final stages of the campaign.

Janones encouraged participants to share videos, engage with posts supporting Lula, distribute campaign messages and avoid certain interactions with opposing accounts that could increase the visibility of pro-Bolsonaro content.

The mobilisation also extended beyond social media.

Janones called for coordinated public demonstrations, including a protest involving people banging pots and pans during Flávio Bolsonaro's interview on Jornal Nacional. He also encouraged supporters to demonstrate their support for Lula's re-election in public spaces.

The campaign increasingly used informal communication, including mobile phone videos and live broadcasts.

During one broadcast, Lula spoke with Janones and thanked supporters for their digital mobilisation. On election night, the president referred to the lawmaker as a "general," publicly acknowledging his role in the campaign.

The WhatsApp channel also faced legal challenges.

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court ordered its suspension in rulings connected to allegations by Bolsonaro's campaign that the channel had distributed false information.

Why the strategy is attracting international attention

Interest in Janones' campaign reflects a broader challenge facing left-wing parties internationally: how to compete on digital platforms where far-right movements have established active communities, distinctive communication styles and extensive networks for distributing political messages.

In Brazil, the Bolsonaro movement developed part of its political influence through networks of supporters, influencers and messaging channels.

These networks allowed political content to circulate widely and enabled regular communication with supporters outside election periods.

Janones' strategy sought to respond through similar digital tools, directing them towards mobilisation in support of Lula.

However, the effectiveness of such an approach depends on each country's political environment, public confidence in political leaders, media consumption habits and electoral regulations.

A strategy that reaches millions of people in Brazil may not produce similar results in Spain or Mexico.

For Sánchez and Sheinbaum, the question is which elements of Brazil's digital campaign experience can be adapted to their respective political environments without assuming that Lula's electoral victory can be replicated through a single communication strategy.

Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun congratulated Lula and expressed China's willingness to expand cooperation with Brasilia.

"China takes note of the announcement by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court of President Lula’s runoff victory and extends congratulations on that. China stands ready to work with Brazil to advance the building of the China-Brazil community with a shared future," Guo said during a daily press conference in Beijing.

According to Brazil's official election results, Lula secured 51.79 per cent of valid votes in Sunday's presidential run-off, defeating Bolsonaro, who received 48.21 per cent.

Bolsonaro rejected the election outcome, but Beijing declined to address his accusations, maintaining that it respected the decision of Brazilian voters.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also commented on political developments in Serbia following Sunday's parliamentary election.

Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat to a student-led movement but accused European governments and opponents of US President Donald Trump of supporting efforts to remove him from power.

The allegations have not been independently established.

Responding to questions about Serbia, Guo reiterated China's position on political developments in other countries.

"China upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and respects the independent choice of the people of other countries," Guo noted.

The briefing also addressed renewed tensions between China and India along their disputed border.

India's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the situation becomes unstable when Chinese troops move away from "established patrolling patterns".

Guo defended China's border activities, insisting that its forces were operating within existing agreements.

"China strictly abides by the relevant agreements and common understandings reached between the two countries, and conducts normal border patrol and control activities to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and stability in the border areas," Guo noted.

He also called for continued cooperation between Beijing and New Delhi to maintain stability.

"China and India maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels. We hope that India will work with China in the same direction by jointly implementing the common understandings reached between the two sides and maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas with concrete actions," he continued.

On relations with North Korea, Guo confirmed that senior Chinese official Wang Huning accompanied DPRK leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to Dandong on Saturday.

Wang conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping during the visit.

Kim toured a car factory and a Korean War memorial in the Chinese border city, with Beijing describing the visit as a demonstration of its commitment to maintaining close relations with Pyongyang.

"We will turn to our legal team. We will seek the annulment of these elections," Bolsonaro declared.

His objections followed a ruling by Justice Cristiano Zanin extending voting until 19:00 local time after Lula's campaign reported difficulties transporting voters in several cities.

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) clarified that the extension applied only to polling stations still open at 17:00, while those that had already closed were not reopened.

Bolsonaro argued that the decision created unequal voting conditions between states and said his legal team would challenge the result.

He also alleged that representatives of his party were removed from a security room during the electoral process and demanded explanations.

"There are many things that must be clarified before Brazil simply acknowledges this ploy that has just happened in these elections," he asserted.

According to results released by electoral authorities, Lula secured 51.79% of valid votes against Bolsonaro's 48.21%, giving him a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term.

Bolsonaro maintained that he would continue challenging the outcome and urged his supporters to remain committed to Brazil.

00:00 GMT – Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been re-elected as Brazil’s president in a historic turnaround, winning 51.76% of the vote against 48.24% for his opponent. His victory contrasts with a right-wing majority in Congress and state governments.

22:00 GMT – Polling stations close in Brazil following the presidential election, as voters await the results to find out who will become the country's next president.

20:30 GMT – Brazilians are eagerly awaiting the results to find out who will become the country's next president. Watch the full live with Leonardo Rodriguez for more information.

20:00 GMT – Voting hours in Brazil have been extended until 7:00 p.m. local time.

19:40 GMT – Lula calls for an extension of voting hours in areas affected by public transport problems, arguing that voters must be able to exercise their right to vote. “We will not allow electoral fraud,” he said.

12:15 GMT – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has cast his vote in São Paulo in the presidential run-off election.

12:00 GMT – Flávio Bolsonaro voted in Rio de Janeiro and urged Brazilians to vote “rain or shine”, criticising Lula’s government over insecurity and the economy.

11:00 GMT – Polling stations have opened across Brazil for the second round of the presidential election.

Will Lula secure a fourth term, or will the Bolsonaro family return to power?

Before polls open: Brazil prepares to choose its next president

Lula is seeking a fourth presidential term overall, while Bolsonaro aims to return his family’s political movement to the presidency after its defeat in 2022.

Brazil’s presidential election reaches its decisive stage today after three weeks of campaigning between the two finalists.

Bolsonaro enters the run-off having finished ahead on October 4. Lula is seeking to overturn that result by broadening his support and encouraging previous abstainers to vote.

Both campaigns have combined street rallies with an intensive digital push, while their final televised encounters have brought clashes over economic policy, policing and personal conduct.

11:00 GMT: Polls scheduled to open nationwide

Voting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Brasília time, or 11 a.m. GMT, under standardised nationwide voting hours.

Polling stations will remain open until 20:00 GMT. Anyone already waiting in line at closing time will still be allowed to vote.

How will the winner be decided?

The candidate who receives more valid votes in today’s contest will win. Blank and invalid ballots do not count towards either candidate’s total.

Bolsonaro’s first-round lead does not give him additional votes in the run-off. Both candidates must secure support again, including from people who previously voted for eliminated contenders.

20:00 GMT: Polls scheduled to close; counting to follow

Polling stations are scheduled to close at 5 p.m. Brasília time, or 8 p.m. GMT, although voting can continue for people already in queues.

The Superior Electoral Court will publish results as electronic vote totals are received and processed. Early figures will represent a partial count and may change as more polling stations report.

Follow the official results portal and Global South World Brasil for further coverage.

CAMPAIGN BUILD-UP

Final debate brings economic policy and policing into focus

Lula and Bolsonaro’s final televised debate, hosted by TV Globo on Friday, October 23, gave the candidates more space to discuss government policy than their earlier confrontation on Band.

Bolsonaro focused on household financial pressures and the cost of living. Lula emphasised protecting purchasing power and questioned his opponent’s plans for minimum wages and pension benefits. Bolsonaro has denied intending to end those protections.

The encounter also featured personal attacks. Bolsonaro apologised after referring disparagingly to Lula’s missing finger. The candidates clashed over Bolsonaro’s legal representation of a police officer accused of killing five-year-old Ana Clara Gomes Machado during a police operation.

Lula’s campaign simultaneously intensified its digital activity, distributing debate clips across social media and messaging groups.

Read the full report on the final presidential debate .

Lula frames election as a choice over Brazil’s sovereignty

Lula accused Bolsonaro of bowing to US interests during a campaign event between Juazeiro and Petrolina on Tuesday.

The president presented the election as a choice between defending Brazil’s sovereignty and accepting political subordination to Washington, questioning whether voters wanted a country that “goes on all fours before the American flag”.

He also urged supporters to maintain their presence on the streets and across digital platforms during the campaign’s final days.

Read more: Lula accuses Bolsonaro of bowing to US interests ahead of Brazil run-off .

Electoral court warns Meta over treatment of candidates

Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court gave Meta 24 hours on October 18 to demonstrate that it was treating both presidential campaigns equally, warning of a daily fine of R$1 million, approximately US$198,000, for failing to comply.

The dispute followed allegations from Lula’s campaign that the company had restricted its content and advertising. Concerns also involved Meta AI generating election-related images for Bolsonaro while refusing similar requests involving Lula.

Meta denied political bias and attributed the problems to technical faults. The court requested clearer explanations of the measures the company had taken.

Read more: Brazil’s electoral court threatens Meta with US$198,000 daily fine over election content .

Bolsonaro attacks Lula and Supreme Court at São Paulo rally

Bolsonaro criticised Lula and Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court while addressing supporters on Paulista Avenue in São Paulo during a campaign mobilisation ahead of the run-off.

“Today, Brazil has no president,” he declared, accusing Lula of sharing power with Justice Alexandre de Moraes and alleging judicial persecution of political opponents.

The gathering, called the “Victory Bloc”, followed a separate march by Lula supporters, students and social movements backing democracy and the continuation of the Workers’ Party government.

Read more: ‘Brazil has no president’ — Flávio Bolsonaro challenges Lula at São Paulo rally .

Cleaning worker Jehova Pessoa de Lima, 64, criticised Bolsonaro's perceived ties to US President Donald Trump and Argentina's Javier Milei, saying they had undermined his confidence in the candidate.

Gabriela Ribeiro Viana de Araujo, 29, said her concerns centred on protecting social policies and preventing what she feared could become a dictatorship.

However, cook Igor de Assis Coutinho, 42, argued that Brazil needed political change after years of governance by Lula and his allies.

“I think this is the time for a change,” he told the AFP, adding that although Bolsonaro was not his preferred candidate, he would support him over Lula.

Meanwhile, cleaning worker Damião da Silva, 69, praised Lula's commitment to poorer Brazilians, describing him as a president who prioritised low-income communities.

The run-off will take place on October 25, 2026.

The demonstration took place on Tuesday in Campo Grande, in Rio's west zone, as the Liberal Party (PL) senator prepared to face incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the second round.

Participants marched through the streets carrying placards, including signs reading "Fuera Lula", as they expressed support for Bolsonaro's candidacy.

The mobilisation comes amid a dispute over the treatment of political content on Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Meta has acknowledged technical problems affecting Lula's campaign but denied favouring either presidential candidate.

On Tuesday, Meta announced that it had complied with a Brazilian electoral court directive requiring equal treatment of both presidential candidates on its platforms.

The company said it had "completed the implementation of measures to comply with the directive from the electoral court", adding that the restrictions "do not affect organic posts."

The decision followed complaints from Lula's supporters, who alleged that their political content had been removed or its reach restricted.

Around a dozen watchdog organisations and research groups also reported what they described as “indications” that Meta may have favoured Bolsonaro's campaign.

However, Meta dismissed Lula's allegations as “false and unfounded”, attributing the problems to “technical incidents” affecting campaigns from “different parts of the political spectrum”.

Despite these concerns, Carlos Enrique, one of the Bolsonaro supporters attending the demonstration, argued that right-wing political groups have a stronger presence on social media .

He also accused the political left of spreading false information online.

"In reality, they do not dominate social media . Social media is more on the right. The left only knows how to use it to spread fake news. They have no reach; they get no views on social media. It is really the right that dominates social media," he said.

Another demonstrator, identified as Flavio, criticised what he described as attempts to interfere with Bolsonaro's campaign.

He called on Lula to respect the democratic process and accept the election results.

"I think he should not interfere with democracy , since he talks so much about democracy. Why does he have to be getting in the way, right? He has to let things take their course and respect his defeat. This Sunday it is 22 [Liberal Party electoral number] and that will not face any interference. It is no use, he will try to stop it and he will not manage... It is Bolsonaro!" he said.

Meanwhile, Lula has made the defence of Brazil's national sovereignty a central part of his campaign, repeatedly questioning the Bolsonaro camp's ties with Washington.

He also urged supporters to intensify their political activities both online and on the streets ahead of the vote.

"Get ready, because this is a war. And Lula's army cannot leave the streets, cannot leave the digital networks. The day-to-day struggle is important. We are already bigger than the Chinese army, than the American army, than the Russian army. We are the army of dignity, the army of decency, the army of democracy," he stated.

The comments reflect the political divisions surrounding the final days of the presidential campaign, with supporters of both candidates debating the role of digital platforms in shaping voter opinion.

Bolsonaro entered the runoff after securing 47.03 per cent of valid votes in the October 4 first round, according to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

Lula finished with 45.16 per cent.

Neither candidate secured the majority required for an outright victory, setting up a second-round contest on October 25.

The protesters gathered outside Meta's headquarters in the Faria Lima area on Monday, accusing the company of favouring presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of the October 25 run-off.

Demonstrators carried placards reading 'Meta, don't meddle', 'In Brazil, Brazil decides' and 'Meta blocks pro-Lula political content'.

They demanded greater transparency from the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, alleging that accounts supporting Lula had been suspended and political content restricted.

"[Meta] has been interfering in the Brazilian elections . It is very serious. Since the beginning of the year, it has taken decisions to remove accounts and suspend content without giving any explanation," said Alexandre, one of the demonstrators, asserting that the situation "has intensified" as the electoral timetable advances.

Another protester claimed that account suspensions were affecting political mobilisation during the final days of campaigning.

"We are seeing many people being blocked, aren't we? Or, at times, the suspension of their accounts during this period - precisely the electoral period - just at the moment when we manage to take to the streets and the networks, aren't we? And then they are blocking a lot of people," he said.

The demonstration coincided with a ruling by Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE), which ordered Meta to provide evidence within 24 hours that both campaigns receive equal treatment.

The company could face daily fines of up to one million reais, approximately $185,000, if it fails to comply.

Meta has denied favouring either presidential candidate, maintaining that its rules apply equally to all political campaigns.

The company also rejected allegations that it was interfering in Brazil's electoral process.

The dispute follows complaints from both presidential campaigns about unequal treatment on digital platforms.

Concerns increased after journalistic investigations identified differences in the responses generated by Meta's artificial intelligence tool on WhatsApp.

According to the findings, the tool generated election posters when prompted with "Flavio 22" but rejected similar requests containing "Lula 13".

Meta attributed the difference to a problem with its filters, explaining that the system did not always recognise "Flavio" as a reference to the presidential candidate.

The company said the issue had been corrected.

The controversy comes during the final days of Brazil's presidential campaign, with Lula and Bolsonaro preparing to face each other in the October 25 run-off following a closely contested first round.

That was the message from Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro as he addressed supporters on Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo on Sunday, criticising President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the country's Supreme Federal Court ahead of the October 25 run-off.

The senator led a mobilisation called the 'Victory Bloc', organised in response to the 'Mass March for Democracy' held days earlier by supporters of Lula.

Bolsonaro travelled through the gathering aboard an open-top lorry, surrounded by supporters waving Brazilian flags and carrying placards backing his presidential campaign.

During his speech, he accused the Supreme Federal Court of interfering in politics and questioned Lula's relationship with Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

"Today, Brazil has no president. We have someone who had to share his power with Alexandre de Moraes, to whom the current president owes his mandate. A Supreme Court that has persecuted political opponents has created a great deal of legal uncertainty in our country," the candidate said.

Bolsonaro also encouraged supporters to watch the presidential debate scheduled for Sunday evening, saying he intended to make allegations against Lula.

"I want you to follow me, because today I want to see you all in front of the television watching the debate. There I will have the opportunity to set out the crimes that he (Lula da Silva) committed against our nation. Brazil is without a president, but only for a short time, because Flavio Bolsonaro is coming and Brazil will win," Bolsonaro emphasised.

The gathering was promoted through the candidate's social media platforms as part of efforts to mobilise supporters during the final days of campaigning.

Several participants also expressed concerns about the country's judicial system.

Junho, one of the demonstrators, accused the Supreme Court of undermining constitutional protections and democratic rights.

"I want to make it very clear that we have a Constitution that must be respected. Unfortunately, this Supreme Court has already trampled on it in every possible way. We no longer have a justice system that guarantees the democratic rights of every Brazilian," the supporter said.

Another participant, Vinicius, questioned the first-round election result and urged voters to support Bolsonaro in the second round.

"They should have lost in the first round. The ballot boxes stopped, God knows for what reason, and the opponent reached enough votes to force a second round. That is why it is important that next Sunday we vote for Flavio Bolsonaro, on the 25th, for the future of Brazil," he added.

The senator's rally followed a large demonstration organised by Lula's supporters, students and social movements.

Participants in that earlier march expressed support for democracy and the continuation of the Workers' Party (PT) government.

The rival mobilisations come as Lula and Bolsonaro prepare to face each other in the second round of Brazil's presidential election on October 25.

Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has established strong support among evangelical voters, while Lula is working to attract members of a community traditionally associated with the conservative right.

At a religious gathering at the Gilberto Cardoso Gymnasium, known as Maracanazinho, in Rio de Janeiro, several worshippers explained why they support Bolsonaro.

Maria Luisa, an evangelical Christian, said the senator's emphasis on family values influenced her political preference.

"He sets good examples for people . Many are like that, but he attaches great importance to the family. That is why we support Bolsonaro, because the family supports the family and always wants to see it doing well," she said.

Another worshipper, Marisa, expressed hope that Bolsonaro would bring change to the country if elected.

"Flavio, may you be able to do the best for our country, with God before you. Brazil needs change, it needs renewal, and we are counting on your help," she said.

Joao Sebastiao also connected the candidate's political future to his religious beliefs.

"He is not yet the president of the country, but we believe that God is in control of this situation. And if he gets to where he has to get to, it will be because God put him in that place to govern and administer. We believe he will be a great administrator for this country. That is what we need today to have a better Brazil," he maintained.

However, the political importance of evangelical voters extends beyond religious beliefs.

Guilherme Galvao, an analyst at the Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV), explained that Jair Bolsonaro had attracted support from different groups through his positions on public order, conservative values and economic policies .

"On the basis of his discourse in defence of order, his values agenda and his own economic agenda, Jair Bolsonaro ended up winning over very diverse sectors and managed to turn evangelicals into his main social base. Today, any candidate for the presidency of the Republic or for any other major executive post who wants to win an election needs, in some way, to establish a dialogue with the evangelical sector," Galvao explained.

The analyst also highlighted differences in political preferences between Catholic and evangelical communities, while stressing that neither group votes as a single bloc.

"Catholics tend to prefer the Workers' Party (PT) and Lula, because the president maintains a more moderate discourse on these issues. There is a certain distance between him and evangelical grassroots, although it is not absolute. On the other hand, Bolsonarism has managed to capitalise on much of that discourse. Evangelicals, because of their decentralised form of organisation, have greater scope to develop political activism," the specialist added.

Both presidential campaigns have increased their engagement with religious groups ahead of the second round.

On October 10, Flavio Bolsonaro attended the centenary celebration of the Assembly of God of the Madureira Ministry at Maracanazinho, where he interacted with worshippers and delivered messages centred on faith.

Two days later, he participated in activities associated with the Catholic feast of Our Lady of Aparecida.

Lula has also intensified his engagement with evangelical communities. On October 14, he released a letter addressed to evangelical voters as part of his efforts to strengthen support within the religious sector.

That was the message from Ingrid, one of several supporters of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Monday to back his re-election ahead of the October 25 presidential run-off.

The mobilisation took place in the city's historic Lapa neighbourhood, where demonstrators assembled near the Arcos de Lapa alongside artists, samba musicians, carnival school members and representatives of social movements.

The gathering was part of efforts by left-wing groups to strengthen support for Lula as he prepares to face Senator Flavio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) in the second round.

For some participants, the election has raised concerns about political rights and the possibility of the Bolsonaro family returning to power.

Lucas, one of the protesters, criticised the former president's political family and expressed fears about its return to government .

"I think the Bolsonaro family represents barbarity and the worst. They have already shown the worst in the history of Brazilian politics," he said.

"I think people are afraid of this family. The fear that what we have already seen will return is going to bring many people to our side."

Other demonstrators focused on voter participation, particularly among young Brazilians.

Eloisa said the election had encouraged more young people to become politically active, particularly after some voters failed to participate in the first round.

"I think there was a wave that has already passed. Many people did not go to vote because they thought the election was already decided. I think, on the one hand, it was important to attract young people, so that they also see, research and know what is behind all this. So I think young people now have much more strength in terms of protest ," she said.

The Lapa demonstration followed another pro-Lula rally on Copacabana beach, with both events aimed at mobilising voters before the final round.

According to first-round results attributed to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, Flavio Bolsonaro secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes on October 4, while Lula received 45.16 per cent.

The two candidates will contest the October 25 run-off to determine who leads Brazil during the 2027–2030 presidential term.

Speaking at a mass gathering that drew more than one million people, according to the government, Lula said around 30 million eligible voters had failed to cast their ballots in the first round.

He particularly encouraged older Brazilians to participate, noting that voting is not compulsory for people over 70.

"We have an obligation to speak to those who believe they no longer have the right to vote," Lula said.

The president also urged Brazilians to defend the country's democratic institutions.

"This country cannot lose democracy, however imperfect it may be," he said.

Lula stressed that young people should have a greater say in government decisions and that political participation should extend beyond elected officials.

"We must listen to young people. It is not enough to do things from the top down," he maintained.

The president also criticised the "Bolsonaro family" over its record, particularly the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic under former President Jair Bolsonaro.

"You know what it means for a president to laugh at people who were dying of asphyxiation for lack of oxygen. You saw how many millions of people were buried in black bags without being able to say goodbye to their families, because we had an irresponsible president who distrusted the media, did not believe in medicine and prescribed a drug that was useless," Lula said.

Turning to his campaign proposals, Lula outlined plans to strengthen Brazil's technology sector through professional training in artificial intelligence and the digital industry.

He also promised reforms in energy and public security .

"We will have to carry out an energy revolution. We will have to carry out a revolution in public security, because we need to guarantee the people's safety and imprison criminals, so that society can live in peace," he said.

On education, Lula said the number of university graduates in Brazil's labour market had increased from 4.8 million in 2003 to 26 million today, according to figures he presented.

He set a target of 50 million graduates and said expanding university education must be accompanied by quality employment opportunities.

The rally took place seven days after Brazil's October 4 presidential election, in which Flavio Bolsonaro received 47.03 per cent of valid votes, compared with Lula's 45.16 per cent.

Neither candidate secured an outright majority, sending the election to a runoff between the two contenders.

Speaking in Brasilia on Sunday, the Liberal Party (PL) candidate celebrated his first-round result before turning his attention to the October 25 runoff against Lula.

"Nearly 56 million Brazil ians gave this vote of confidence for change. The key word is change. Brazil cannot take any more," Bolsonaro said in a message released by his campaign team.

With 99 per cent of polling stations counted, Bolsonaro had 47.03 per cent of valid votes, compared with Lula's 45.16 per cent.

Neither candidate secured an absolute majority, sending the contest to a second round.

Bolsonaro used his remarks to criticise the Workers' Party (PT) and Lula's record in government .

"It is the end of the PT era," Bolsonaro asserted, blaming the current government for problems including business closures and household indebtedness.

The candidate also outlined some of the policies he plans to push during the remaining weeks of campaigning.

They include reducing the number of government ministries and ending the possibility of presidential re-election.

"He cares about power. I care about Brazil's future. I am contesting Brazil's future," Bolsonaro said, drawing a contrast between himself and Lula.

Bolsonaro and Lula will face each other in the presidential runoff on October 25.

Brazil heads to runoff after Flávio Bolsonaro finishes ahead of Lula

05:00 GMT: Brazil will hold a presidential run-off on October 25 after right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro finished ahead of incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva but fell short of the majority needed to win outright.

With 99% of votes counted, Bolsonaro had 47.03% against Lula’s 45.16%. The result exceeded expectations after a close campaign in which the left-wing president had polled slightly ahead.

Bolsonaro enters the second round with a potential advantage: some eliminated candidates offered right-wing alternatives, giving him a pool of voters to court. Both contenders now have three weeks to broaden their support in a contest with consequences beyond Brazil.

00:20 GMT: Brazil’s presidential election heads to a runoff, with Flávio Bolsonaro ahead of Lula in the first-round vote

23:00 GMT: Global South World Brazil is providing real-time updates throughout the night, with detailed coverage of the vote count, the presidential race and state-level results.

Follow the live coverage here for the latest updates.

For the official vote count, follow the results here , with updates as the votes are counted.

21:00 GMT: One hour after polls close, the first rapid-count results are in. With 27.88% of polling stations counted, Flávio Bolsonaro has 50.85% of the vote, while Lula has 41.05%. Live count ongoing.

17:00 GMT: Millions of Brazilians are voting in a closely contested presidential election between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The race has been shaped by debates over sovereignty, religion, corruption and the role of the courts. Watch the live coverage on Global South World’s YouTube channel to learn more about the context.

16:15 GMT: Lula says Brazil’s election is about choosing the country’s future, framing the choice as one between strengthening democracy and “barbarism”, development and “backwardness”. He said he is confident of victory, citing his government’s record and the nationwide support he believes his campaign has built.

16:00 GMT: Flávio Bolsonaro calls for change as Brazilians head to the polls, saying the country cannot endure another four years under the current government and presenting himself as the alternative. He urged voters to remain calm and aware, saying he is ready to lead Brazil and restore people’s ability to dream.

14:10 GMT: Lula and Bolsonaro vote early in Brazil’s election, as nearly 160 million voters choose the president along with governors, members of the Chamber of Deputies, two-thirds of the Senate and regional representatives, with a possible second round on October 25

12:52 GMT: Flávio Bolsonaro says he wants to win Brazil’s election to “guarantee their freedom” after casting his vote, as the presidential race remains closely contested and voters head to the polls across the country

12:30 GMT: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva votes in Brazil’s general election. Major polls show a closely contested race as electoral authorities make final preparations for the key voting day

11:49 GMT: Brazil decides: Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro face off for presidency

11:00 GMT: Voting stations open across Brazil, and will remain open until 17:00 local time

10:38 GMT: Rio steps up security ahead of vote

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro are monitoring election day from the city’s Command and Control Centre as voters head to the polls in Brazil’s closely contested presidential election. The centre is coordinating police and other security forces as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seeks another term against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

Voting will begin simultaneously nationwide at 8 a.m. Brasília time, or 11 a.m. GMT, following the introduction of standardised voting hours across Brazil’s different time zones.

Polls will remain open until 8 p.m. GMT. Anyone already waiting in line at closing time will still be allowed to vote.

Results are expected to begin appearing shortly after polls close.

Election atmosphere before polls open

October 3: São Paulo voters raise sovereignty and BRICS concerns ahead of election

Residents of São Paulo have voiced concerns about Brazil’s sovereignty and international role as the country prepares for Sunday’s presidential election between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

Voter Danilo described the election as one of Brazil’s most consequential, saying he feared the result could expose the country to pressure from foreign powers. “I really believe that, depending on the outcome of the election, we could face some sort of foreign intervention, particularly from the US,” he said.

The comments came as the US suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday, citing unspecified security concerns. Washington did not link the decision to Sunday’s election.

Another resident, Roberto, said he believed the timing of the closures was intended to influence voters, describing it as “foreign interference”. His claim has not been established by US authorities, which have said the suspension was for security reasons.

Brazil’s role in BRICS was also among voters’ concerns. Resident Andre said he believed a Bolsonaro victory could significantly alter Brazil’s position within the bloc, while a Lula victory would maintain its current direction.

October 2: 'Flávio cannot win' - Young Brazilian voters weigh choices

University students in Rio de Janeiro have shared their views on Brazil's presidential race, with some preparing to vote for the first time in Sunday's closely contested election.

Students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) stressed the importance of understanding candidates and their proposals as the campaign between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro enters its final days.

September 30: Brazil voters divided between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro ahead of election

Brazilian voters in Porto Alegre and Recife expressed contrasting views ahead of the presidential election, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seeks re-election against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

September 29: How a false claim about Brazil’s patron saint became a presidential election issue

With one week to go before the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, a 2007 bill proposing to restrict the title of Brazil’s patron saint, held by Our Lady of Aparecida, to Catholics began circulating on social media and was used to undermine the candidacy of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL).

The proposal, authored by former congressman Victorio Galli, then a member of the PMDB, was shelved years ago by the Chamber of Deputies. It gained traction after being falsely associated with Bolsonaro, fueled by the fact that he is an evangelical Christian and has previously commented on the relationship between religion and the state. Bolsonaro, however, has never introduced any proposal to change the saint’s official status.

The controversy escalated when actor and comedian Antonio Tabet posted a message claiming that “the militia family hates Black women so much that it decided to attack Our Lady of Aparecida.” Bolsonaro’s legal team then took the case to the Electoral Court, alleging that the post spread disinformation.

The post received millions of views and gave President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s (PT) campaign an opportunity to use the controversy against his opponent while seeking to expand its support among religious voters. Read more

September 27: ‘Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii’: Bad Bunny song backs Lula campaign in Brazil

Hundreds of supporters of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, September 27, to celebrate the authorisation of a Bad Bunny song for his re-election campaign.

The event, known as “CarnaLula”, was held as part of the nationwide “Bora Lula” mobilisation ahead of the 4 October first round. Supporters danced, played music and waved campaign flags while celebrating the use of Bad Bunny’s “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii” (What Happened to Hawaii), which was adapted into Portuguese for a campaign video focused on Brazilian sovereignty and natural resources.

Bad Bunny’s team authorised Lula’s campaign to use and adapt the song for the electoral video, which was released on September 24 in a Portuguese version. The original song, from the Puerto Rican singer’s album Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos), reflects on Puerto Rico’s history and warns about the loss of land, culture and identity, drawing parallels with the impact of US influence on the island.

The adapted song retains the original melody while incorporating themes related to Brazil, including its territory, rivers, beaches and rare earth minerals. The campaign video also references US President Donald Trump and criticism of foreign influence, echoing Lula’s recent emphasis on Brazilian sovereignty during his address to the UN General Assembly.

September 26: Lula warns against foreign interference in Brazil's election

Brazilian President and re-election candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defended the country's electoral sovereignty during a campaign rally in São Paulo on Saturday, September 26, warning against foreign interference ahead of the October 4 presidential election.

September 25: Flávio Bolsonaro pledges war on organised crime in Brazil

Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro used a police graduation ceremony in Rio de Janeiro to pledge tougher action against organised crime if elected.

Speaking after a ceremony for newly trained Military Police officers on September 25, Bolsonaro said police would be central to his security plans and pledged to “declare war on the narco-terrorists” from January if he takes office. He also thanked police forces for their work, saying they play a key role in protecting public security.

Bolsonaro also criticised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over the government’s move to restrict online betting, accusing him of acting for electoral reasons. Flávio said he supports banning online casinos while distinguishing them from regulated sports betting. The election is due to take place on 4 October, with recent polls showing a close race between Lula and Flávio, although results vary between surveys.

Lula faces Bolsonaro’s son

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , of the Workers’ Party, is seeking a fourth presidential term overall and a second consecutive term since returning to office in 2023. Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin is again his running mate.

His main challenger, Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party, is a senator representing Rio de Janeiro and the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. He is running alongside congressman Alfredo Gaspar and seeking to return his father’s conservative movement to the presidency.

The other candidates

Twelve presidential candidates remain following Leonardo Avalanche’s withdrawal on September 30. Other contenders include Ronaldo Caiado , Romeu Zema , Renan Santos and Augusto Cury .

A Datafolha poll released on October 1 showed Lula with 42% of total voting intentions and Bolsonaro with 38%. Among valid voting intentions, Lula had 45% and Bolsonaro 40%. In a simulated run-off, Lula’s 48% against Bolsonaro’s 45% represented a statistical tie within the poll’s margin of error.

The survey interviewed 2,506 electors between September 29 and October 1, with a national margin of error of two percentage points. The figures leave the outcome uncertain and suggest the contest could continue to a second round.

How Brazil elects its president

A presidential candidate must receive more than 50% of valid votes to win in the first round. Blank and invalid ballots are not included when calculating that majority.

If no candidate crosses that threshold, the two leading candidates will advance to a runoff on October 25.

The president and vice-president are elected together on a single ticket for a four-year term.

What else is being decided?

Each voter will make six selections:

Brazil is electing two senators from each of its 26 states and the Federal District, producing 54 Senate seats in total. Senators serve eight-year terms.

All 513 seats in the Chamber of Deputies are also being contested.

Governors must win more than half of valid votes to avoid a second round. Runoffs may therefore be held in individual states even if the presidential election is settled in the first round.

Why the election matters

The contest will determine the direction of Latin America’s largest economy and most populous country.

The result could affect Brazil’s environmental policy, management of the Amazon, economic reforms and relationships with China, the United States, the European Union and other Global South countries.

The election is also a test of whether Brazil’s political system can move beyond the intense polarisation that has characterised national politics since Jair Bolsonaro’s rise to power.

Possible outcomes

Lula wins in the first round

Lula would need more than half of all valid votes. Final surveys suggest this remains possible but unlikely.

Lula and Bolsonaro advance to a runoff

Polling indicates that this is the most probable outcome. A second-round campaign would run until October 25, with surveys showing little separation between the two candidates.

A surprise performance by another candidate

Augusto Cury, Ronaldo Caiado and Renan Santos remain well behind the two leaders but could influence whether the election proceeds to a runoff and how their supporters vote in the second round.

When will results be available?

Electronic counting can begin once voting ends at 8 p.m. GMT.

Brazil uses electronic voting machines that operate offline during voting. Results are transmitted to the electoral authorities after polls close and are generally counted within several hours.

Official results will be published by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court.

If required, the second round will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with the same polling hours 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. GMT.

Bolsonaro also criticised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over the government’s move to restrict online betting, accusing him of acting for electoral reasons. Flávio said he supports banning online casinos while distinguishing them from regulated sports betting. The election is due to take place on 4 October, with recent polls showing a close race between Lula and Flávio, although results vary between surveys.

The Workers' Party candidate travelled through the city centre aboard a vehicle, greeting supporters during the campaign event in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.

Lula was joined by Eduardo Paes, candidate for governor of Rio de Janeiro, and Senate hopefuls Benedita da Silva and Pedro Paulo, all backed by the president.

Addressing supporters, Lula returned to comments he made two days earlier at the UN General Assembly in New York and used them to target Flavio Bolsonaro.

"Just as Brazil does not belong in anyone's backyard, there is no place for militia representation inside the Planalto Palace".

Lula also accused parts of Brazil's right of placing foreign interests ahead of those of the country.

"There are many people who in the morning kiss the Brazilian flag and at night go to Copacabana to kiss the US flag. And there are people who want to hand over Brazil, who want to govern this country to hand over our riches. They are the same ones who wanted to privatise the beaches," he said.

His remarks referred to a project pushed by Flavio Bolsonaro in the Senate to transfer coastal land to private owners. The government blocked the proposal on the grounds that it would restrict public access to beaches.

Supporter Luisa Moragas said she remained confident despite Flavio Bolsonaro's advance in the polls .

"I cannot bring myself to feel afraid, not even looking at the polls. Because no matter how much Flavio Bolsonaro grows, no matter how much he is growing, we see in the streets, among the people, in the communities, people who truly see that Lula is the best for Brazil, that Bolsonaro, that Flavio Bolsonaro, that Bolsonarism was the great plague of our country".

Another supporter, Evaristo Da Veiga, defended Lula's connection with voters.

"The people are Lula. It is no use dressing him up in falseness; this Bolsonaro's face is falseness with the people. The people do not want scraps again. The people want culture and leisure. They want health and education . It is Lula again. Young people want Lula, science, culture".

Eloisa Gonzaga also expressed her support for the president.

"The greatest thrill I could be experiencing is seeing the best president we have had in all my life in politics , and I am a person who lives politics. I will tell you: the best president, the best moment, and he will be elected with faith and Lula in mind".

The campaign event came ten days before the first round, with Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro the main contenders amid an exchange of accusations between the two candidates and Bolsonaro's advance in the polls in Rio de Janeiro state.

Lula made the comments on Monday during a visit to a Petrobras drillship off the coast of Oiapoque, in the state of Amapa.

"If President Trump wants to wage a war against Iran and close the Strait of Hormuz, we are here, at the service of the whole world. We are on the Equatorial Margin, 175 kilometres off the coast. We are here, in the middle of the ocean, discovering oil of incredible purity," he said.

Lula highlighted the oil potential of the Equatorial Margin, a large maritime area off Brazil's northern coast, and called for more research.

During the visit, Lula also discussed Brazil's efforts to expand oil co-operation with other countries.

He said he had spoken with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum about opportunities for the two countries to work together in the sector.

According to Lula, the aim is "to go to the Gulf of Mexico and try to find oil in deep waters".

"[Brazilian firm] Petrobras has the potential to be the most important oil company in the world," Lula said in his remarks.

The Brazilian government sees exploration of the Equatorial Margin as a way to increase national production and reduce the country's dependence on oil imports in the coming years.

In one recent livestream shared by First Lady Rosângela “Janja” da Silva, Lula is seen finishing a 45-minute treadmill run before moving into squats, at one point with weights strapped to his ankles. A white towel draped around his neck, he cuts the figure of a veteran politician intent on demonstrating physical resilience.

But the routine goes beyond optics. Lula has repeatedly stressed the role of discipline in maintaining health, telling followers that while ageing is inevitable, physical decline is not. In social media posts accompanying the videos, he has linked regular exercise to longevity and quality of life, suggesting that consistent habits can extend one’s active years well into old age .

With a significantly younger rival expected to challenge him, Lula’s message is clear: endurance matters. And for a politician with decades in public life, staying in shape is not just about health—it is about proving he can go the distance once again.

The demonstration reflected ongoing anger over Bolsonaro’s recent conviction and a broader backlash against Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Protest imagery included symbolic representations criticising the judiciary and government, underscoring persistent political polarisation in Brazil since Bolsonaro left office in 2023.

Speaking at a housing handover event in Rio Grande on January 20, Lula said there’s a need to bring back more human interaction in society , especially online.

Brazil ’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vetoed a controversial bill that would have dramatically shortened the 27-year prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving time for his role in plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. The bill, passed by Congress in December 2025, would have cut Bolsonaro’s sentence to just over two years and reduced penalties for others convicted over the January 8, 2023 attacks on government buildings in Brasília. Lula says the convictions were based on fair trials and substantial evidence. Congress could still override the veto. Bolsonaro began his sentence in November 2025 and remains barred from running for office until at least 2030.

Brazil pork exports hit a record and poised to overtake Canada

Brazil’s pork industry achieved a new milestone in 2025, exporting 1.51 million tonnes of pork, an 11.6% increase from the previous year, and is set to surpass Canada as one of the world’s top exporters. Export revenues climbed to US$3.62 billion, up nearly 20% year-on-year. The Philippines emerged as Brazil’s largest buyer, while China, Chile, Japan and Hong Kong also took significant volumes. The boom is credited to diversified international demand and strengthened market access.

Beekeepers warn lithium mining threatens bees in Brazil

Beekeepers in Brazil’s Jequitinhonha Valley are raising alarms that expanding lithium mining, driven by global demand for battery minerals, is disturbing traditional ecosystems where wild beehives once thrived. Local farmers and apiarists, including Aécio Luiz, report that bees are harder to find and honey production is declining as mining activities grow. This region hosts a large share of Brazil’s lithium deposits, which are critical for electric vehicle and renewable energy markets, but the environmental impacts are increasingly prompting community concern.

Neymar extends Santos deal to chase World Cup return

Brazil forward Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 as he targets a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup. The 33-year-old, who rejoined Santos in January 2025, has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to injury setbacks. He helped the club avoid relegation last season, scoring five goals in their final five matches, before undergoing knee surgery to repair a damaged meniscus. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, Neymar, is working to regain full fitness to meet coach Carlo Ancelotti’s recall criteria. Brazil will face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in Group C when the World Cup begins on 11 June in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Roberto Carlos hospitalised, recovering

Brazil and Real Madrid great Roberto Carlos says he is recovering well after undergoing a planned preventative medical procedure. The 52-year-old shared an update on Instagram, posting a photo from his hospital bed and dismissing reports that he had suffered a heart attack. He said the procedure was successful and carried out in advance with his medical team. Carlos thanked supporters for their messages and said he expects to return to full fitness soon.

The protest highlighted growing concern among environmental groups and civil society organisations, who argue the changes significantly weaken safeguards designed to protect forests, rivers and Indigenous territories. One demonstrator captured the sentiment of the rally, saying to Viory: “We are here today in the hot sun, always remembering that we are in a climate crisis and we cannot let vetoes as important as Lula's be overturned. We cannot let bills like this pass. We cannot let laws that make environmental law more flexible.”

At the heart of the dispute is Congress’s decision on Thursday to cancel 52 vetoes that Lula had applied to the 2025 Environmental Licensing Law . The vetoes were intended to maintain strict requirements obliging companies to prove that proposed projects would not cause environmental harm before receiving authorisation. Environmental advocates warn that removing these provisions amounts to a sweeping rollback of protections and reduces mandatory consultations with Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities.

Supporters of the new law, however, argue that it streamlines bureaucracy, accelerates infrastructure and development projects, and strengthens Brazil’s competitiveness. They insist the updated framework maintains a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility, a claim strongly rejected by protesters, who say the decision represents a profound step backwards for climate and environmental governance in Brazil.

Trump said he had spoken with Lula and expected an in-person meeting soon. The meeting could signal a shift in tone, following months of elevated tensions between their administrations over trade and sanctions .

On Bolsonaro’s detention, Trump expressed surprise, claiming he was initially unaware of the arrest. He added that the move raises serious concerns about political persecution, given Bolsonaro’s long-standing role in Brazilian politics .

Trump’s remarks come amid a broader realignment in US–Brazil relations. Earlier this year, he imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian exports, measures some analysts saw as support for Bolsonaro. The potential upcoming meeting with Lula could mark a return to diplomatic engagement, depending on how both sides navigate past grievances.

“It is not possible that through culture we can create committees in all African countries. Who do we depend on? On no one, on ourselves, on our will. I am going to the G20 in South Africa right now, and I will pass through Mozambique. I have the idea of making an agreement between our federal universities, Embrapa and our federal institutes to teach agricultural techniques to the African people, so that they can effectively carry out the agricultural revolution. The same thing we did here in Brazil without making the mistakes we ourselves made,” Lula da Silva said.

He added that distance learning could be central to expanding access to training and framed the effort as part of Brazil’s broader responsibility towards African nations.

“I hope that this chemistry bears fruit for the Brazilian people and the American people,” Lula said. “Someday I'm going to tell him that we can solve this Russia-Ukraine war, because the war is at its point of maturity. You see, it's already been three years of war. Trump, Putin already know what they want, the elected officials already know what they want. Everyone knows what they're going to get. What's missing is putting this on the negotiating table.”

The Brazilian leader added that he believes “the world is getting to the point of ending this war — and not waging any more wars.”

Lula’s remarks came during a press conference following the 47th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26 to 28. The event gathered leaders from 11 Southeast Asian nations, along with partner countries including the United States and Brazil.

Lula, who is currently serving his third non-consecutive term after returning to office in 2023, noted that his term does not end until the end of 2026 but expressed his willingness to participate in future elections. He framed his political ambitions within a broader vision of international cooperation, particularly highlighting the strategic importance of Brazil’s relationship with Indonesia.

“I’m prepared to run in other elections and try to make the relationship between Indonesia and Brazil a partnership,” Lula said, underlining his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in trade, technology, and diplomacy.

Prabowo emphasised trade as a key priority, stressing the need to expand international commerce. He also pointed to technology as an area of mutual learning, while praising Brazil’s advanced agricultural sector and expressing Indonesia’s interest in fostering cooperation in this field, the BPMI reported.

In addition, the Indonesian president noted Brazil’s sophisticated defence industry as another potential area for collaboration. “We are determined, after an intensive discussion, to continue to grow in all areas,” he said.

“I’m about to turn 80, but you can be sure that I have the same energy as when I was 30 years old,” Lula said. “I’m going to fight. I’m running for a fourth term in Brazil. I’m prepared to run in other elections and try to make the relationship between Indonesia and Brazil a partnership.”

Lula, who returned to power in 2023 for his third nonconsecutive term, remains constitutionally eligible to run again since Brazil’s two-term limit applies only to consecutive presidencies.

During the press conference, the Brazilian leader also reiterated his support for a multipolar global order, stressing the need for “multilateralism, not unilateralism” in both politics and economics. He pointed to the BRICS bloc — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — as a key platform for advancing “the development interests of the global South.”

Lula’s announcement comes amid efforts to strengthen cooperation between Brazil and Indonesia, particularly in trade, renewable energy , and environmental protection.