“The Bolsonaro response is exactly as I feared, but I don’t think it will mean very much. All these world leaders are now recognising Lula’s win, and I don’t think Bolsonaro has a hope of overturning this result. [For Lula] this is the crescendo of an incredible, if sometimes controversial, 50-year political career. The first elected working-class leader of Brazil, who has helped millions of people escape poverty.”

Tom Phillips · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-26

Phillips commented overnight on Bolsonaro's refusal to concede and the international recognition of Lula's election win.