Brazil’s Lula hangs on, but his final term promises to be toughest yet

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva celebrates after his victory in a presidential runoff on Monday in Sao Paulo. | REUTERS

By Brendan O'Boyle
Reuters

Oct 27, 2026

BRASILIA – Brazil’s octogenarian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva faces an uphill battle from day one of his final term, analysts say, with his plans hemmed in by economic headwinds and a right-leaning Congress.

Already the country’s oldest president, Lula overcame a first-round loss to pull off a surprise runoff victory against Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro on Sunday, securing 51.8% of votes and a record fourth term just two days before his 81st birthday.

He will take office on Jan. 5 after winning what he has said was his last election, hanging on to power in a country that has swung dramatically to the right since his first electoral victory in 2002.

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