Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Planalto Palace, the office of the president, in Brasilia, Brazil, on January 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

When Brazil’s newest President, 77-year-old Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was sworn in on New Year’s Day, many Brazilians celebrated. Crowds cheered his motorcade and danced in the streets. One of the nation’s most popular presidents was back to lead them again.

Narrow win

But not everyone in the South American nation was happy that “Lula”, as his followers affectionately call him, had been elected. Almost as many had voted for his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right conservative.