From Foreign Policy · Catherine Osborn · · 2m
Brazil’s Far-Right Resurgence
Brazil’s far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro edges out Lula in runoff election amid voter backlash.
In brief
Brazil’s far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro edges out Lula in runoff election amid voter backlash. Brazil’s far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro won the first-round presidential election with 47.03% of votes against Lula’s 45.16%. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Brazil’s Far-Right Resurgence
Brazil’s general elections last Sunday unleashed a right-wing wave at the polls.
Bolsonaro Beats Lula in First Round
Flávio Bolsonaro earned 47.03 percent to Lula’s 45.16 percent in the first-round presidential race.
Runoff Election Scheduled
Bolsonaro and Lula will face off in an Oct. 25 runoff presidential election.
Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party Gains
The Liberal Party won the most governorships and grew its numbers in both houses of congress.
Historic Election Pattern
No presidential candidate since Brazil’s redemocratization in the 1980s has won a runoff after losing the first round.
Bolsonarismo Movement
Brazilian journalist Bernardo Mello Franco called bolsonarismo a movement with deep roots in Brazilian society.
Lula Campaign Struggles
Lula admitted his campaign was the least organized since 1989 and reaped what he sowed.
Lula’s Messaging Shift
Lula debuted a tough-on-crime slogan: 'For working people, protection; for criminals, jail.'
Voter Rejection of Lula
Lula performed worse among lower-middle-class Brazilians than among the richest.
Lower Middle Class Concerns
Lower middle class seeks less red tape, more protection from violence, and respect for religious beliefs.
Lula’s Policy Shift
Lula now focuses on legislative efforts to outlaw standard work contracts allowing six-day workweeks.
Bolsonaro’s Messaging
Bolsonaro continues to base his messaging around pro-change, pro-business, and pro-security ideas.
OAS Escalates Pressure on Nicaragua
The Organization of American States announced eight changes it wants in Nicaragua, including releasing political prisoners.
BTS Tour in South America
K-pop group BTS visited Bogotá for their first South American concert on Oct. 2.
BTS Tour Impact
BTS’s tour visits more Latin American countries than Taylor Swift’s 2023-24 Eras Tour.
K-pop in Latin America
Latin American fans remix K-pop culture with their own musical and political habits.
In short
Brazil’s far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro won the first-round presidential election with 47.03% of votes against Lula’s 45.16%.
