On Sunday, January 1, Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva takes office for an unprecedented third presidential term — after narrowly beating incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in October’s election.
His inauguration will happen amid rising security concerns. Far-right groups have enacted violent actions (including setting up a bomb near the Brasília international airport). Security experts fear an assault against Brasília’s Esplanade of Ministries — where Lula will take the oath of office and host dozens of international leaders.
Lula will face multiple challenges, taking over a country that has posted sluggish economic growth and saw millions drop below the poverty line. His party has historically supported using government funds to boost economic activity — but resources at his disposal will be scarce.
Meanwhile, Lula will also be tasked with recovering Brazil’s international image, heavily dented due to the recent rise in deforestation rates. The leftist icon, who governed between 2003 and 2010, has committed to seeking zero deforestation in the Amazon, making Brazil’s energy matrix net-zero, and implementing low-carbon agriculture.
All that, in an already deeply-divided country. In 2010, Lula left office with an approval rate above 80 percent. He is not expected to post similar popularity figures, and pressure from conservative sectors may keep him at bay if his administration fails to deliver quick results.
Moreover, Lula won with the help of a big-tent coalition that included groups with opposing views on the environment, security policies, and how to run the economy. Accommodating these groups could mean giving up on key policy points.
The Brazilian Report, in partnership with the Wilson Center’s Brazil Institute, invites you to discuss the inauguration and what challenges lie ahead of Lula in his third — and, dare we say, most challenging — spell as the Brazilian president.
Our live broadcast starts on Sunday, January 1, at 6 pm (Brazilian time — 4 pm Eastern Standard Time).
Participants:
- Gustavo Ribeiro, founder and editor-in-chief of The Brazilian Report.
- Bruna Santos, director of the Brazil Institute.
- Luiza Duarte, fellow at the Brazil Institute.
- Euan Marshall, editor of The Brazilian Report.
- Amanda Audi, Brasília correspondent of The Brazilian Report.
- Cedê Silva, Brasília correspondent of The Brazilian Report.
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