Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (77) has been sworn in as Brazil’s new president. The 77-year-old took his oath of office in Congress on Sunday. He had previously driven through the capital Brasília in an open Rolls Royce with his wife Janja and the new Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and his wife. Thousands of supporters cheered him on. More than a dozen heads of state attended the inauguration, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (66). After the celebrations, a large music festival with more than 40 artists was planned.
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. He triumphed against his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro (67) in the second round in October. Contrary to custom, the out-voted president did not take part in the swearing-in ceremony. He had already traveled to the US with his family on Friday.
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 on the international stage. Lula announced a resolute environmental protection and climate policy and measures against increasing hunger. However, he has to deal with a congress in which supporters of the outvoted President Bolsonaro form the largest group. (SDA)