After a heated election campaign, Brazilians are voting today for their new president. Former leftist head of state Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva challenges current right-wing populist Jair Bolsonaro. In the polls, Lula is clearly ahead. However, President Bolsonaro has already questioned the electoral system in advance and indicated that he may not recognize the result.
The election has extremely divided Latin America’s largest economy. Lula calls Bolsonaro genocide because of his hesitant CoV policy, Bolsonaro scolds his opponent after his conviction for corruption as a thief. At least three Lula supporters have been killed by alleged Bolsonaro supporters in recent months. Supporters of the incumbent have repeatedly openly called for a military coup.
Significant around the world
The presidential election in Brazil is also of great importance to the rest of the world. As a large carbon sink, the Amazon region plays an important role in combating global climate change. In view of the tense situation in the energy and food markets due to the war in Ukraine, the country with its huge natural resources and large agricultural economy is also an interesting trading partner.