According to El Mostrador, former presidents Michelle Bachelet and Gabriel Boric publicly congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his victory in Brazil's presidential runoff. Lula defeated far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, and both Chileans interpreted the victory as a signal for the Latin American left.
The election was close. According to the outlet, Lula reversed the lead Bolsonaro had secured in the first round and won with around 51.8% of the vote.
The result is unprecedented. Since Brazil's return to democracy, no candidate who finished second in the first round had won the runoff. Lula, leader of the Workers' Party (PT), achieved it.
Bachelet was among the first to react. On social media, she posted a photograph with the Brazilian president and wrote: "I want to congratulate President Lula on his victory in Brazil's elections".
The former president invoked a conviction that she said they have both shared for years: that politics should serve people and their rights. She also highlighted Brazil's role in the region. "I am certain that his experience and commitment will continue to contribute to strengthening democracy, dialogue and cooperation between our countries", she said.
The message has a specific political backdrop. Bachelet met with Lula in Brasília in September while seeking support for her candidacy for United Nations Secretary-General. On that occasion, the Brazilian president maintained his support for the former head of state's bid.
For that reason, Lula's continued presidency benefits Bachelet. Brazil is South America's largest economy and a significant source of support in a diplomatic race decided among governments.
Boric chose a more personal tone. "What great joy the Brazilian people have just given us!", he wrote. He then added: "Thank you, dear old man, for never giving up the fight, for keeping alive the hope of a world. Thank you, President Lula, for your commitment to humanity. We love you!".
The reactions show how Chile's progressive movement, now in opposition, looks to Brazil as a reference point. Lula remains the region's leading left-wing figure.
The source does not specify the exact date Lula will begin his new term or his agenda with Chile. For now, Brazilian support for Bachelet at the United Nations remains in place, according to reports following the September meeting in Brasília.
