About 300,000 revelers and more than a dozen heads of state and government are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony in the capital, Brasília.
The party is overshadowed by security concerns. A bomb attack failed in Brasília on Christmas Eve. An arrested supporter of former right-wing nationalist president Jair Bolsonaro is said to have planted explosives on a tanker truck in an attempt to sow chaos before the change of power. The suspect told detectives that he wanted to prevent the “introduction of communism in Brazil”.
Given the grief for football legend Pelé, Lula tried to find the right tone shortly before taking office. He honored the three-time world champion as a national hero. As one of his last official acts, his predecessor Bolsonaro ordered a three-day state mourning as a “sign of respect” for Pele.
Due to the security situation and the rainy weather expected for Sunday, it was unclear whether Lula would traditionally attend the inauguration in a vintage convertible – or in a closed and armored car.
What is certain, however, is that delegations from at least 53 countries – including 17 heads of state and government alone – will be present at the take-off ceremony. This is also a record. Next to the Spanish King Felipe VI. The heads of state of the neighboring countries Argentina, Chile and Colombia, among others, are expected.
(SDA)