Inauguration in Brazil – Lula is sworn into the presidency for the third time – News

  • Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been sworn in as the new President of Brazil.
  • The 77-year-old took his oath of office in Congress on Sunday.
  • It is already his third term: he was president from 2003 to 2010.

Before the swearing-in, Lula de Silva drove through the capital Brasilia with his wife Janja and the new Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his wife in an open Rolls-Royce. Thousands of supporters cheered him on.

Legend:

Brazil’s President Lula da Silva (left) and his wife Janja wave to supporters in Brasilia. On the right is Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his wife Maria Lucia.

Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino

More than a dozen heads of state and government attended the inauguration. The celebrations are followed by a large music festival with more than 40 artists.

Already the third term

Lula ruled the largest country in Latin America from 2003 to 2010. He is now the first democratically elected president in Brazil to serve a third term. The left-wing politician takes over the presidency from right-wing populist Jair Bolsonaro, against whom Lula narrowly defeated in the runoff election at the end of October.

Many men can be seen. In the center, a man in a blue suit stands in front of a microphone, his hand on his chest.

Legend:

Brazil’s new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will take the oath of office at the National Congress in Brasilia on January 1, 2023.

REUTERS/Jacqueline Lisboa

Bolsonaro does not recognize Lula’s victory. Contrary to custom, the right-wing ex-military did not take part in the swearing-in ceremony. He had already traveled to the USA with his family on Friday.

Big challenges for Lula

Lula now faces major challenges. After his predecessor deeply divided society and isolated the country, the new president wants to reconcile Brazil and bring it back onto the international stage.

Large crowd, some raise their hand and make an L with their thumb and forefinger.

Legend:

Thousands of Lula da Silva supporters gather in front of the Planalto Palace ahead of the swearing-in ceremony and form the letter L with their fingers.

Reuters/Adriano Machado

In addition, the new President announced a resolute environmental protection and climate policy and measures against the increasing hunger. However, he is dealing with a congress in which supporters of President Bolsonaro, who has been voted out, make up the largest group.

source site-72