Spanish PM Sanchez on Lula's Victory: 'Expect the Same in Spain'

▲ Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Leaders from Europe and Africa have sent their congratulations as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured a historic fourth term by overcoming a first-round deficit in the presidential runoff held on the 25th.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the victory on her social media on the 26th, praising it as "a victory for democracy and multilateralism."

Von der Leyen emphasized, "The cooperative relationship between Europe and Brazil continues to grow stronger, and we will stand alongside Brazil for years to come," adding, "We will continue our close cooperation for free and open trade, a rules-based international order, and strong goals regarding climate issues."

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, "Congratulations to President Lula on his re-election. France and Brazil have much to build together," and added, "Facing the many challenges of our time, let us strengthen our strategic partnership and our countries' friendship to contribute to a fairer world."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also posted on X, declaring, "A great victory for Lula!" and writing, "What happened in Brazil will happen in Spain, too. The return of global progress has begun."

This is interpreted as an emphasis on the left-wing victory in the Brazilian election, as Prime Minister Sanchez, who leads the center-left Spanish Socialist Workers' Party government, is trailing in approval ratings against the conservative opposition ahead of the general election scheduled for the 29th of next month.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country is a fellow member of BRICS alongside Brazil, also posted on X to offer congratulations, calling it "a victory for the Global South and the world's progressive forces."

Calling President Lula a "beloved brother and friend," Ramaphosa stated, "We will continuously strengthen our bilateral relations and closely cooperate in all multilateral forums to build a fair and better world order based on solidarity and respect for international law."

(Photo: Getty Images)

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