In recent months, Brazilians have closely followed the US presidential campaign. Since 2016, whatever happens in American politics seems likely to unfold in Brazil. In many ways, the American political chasm reflects Brazil’s own political polarisation.
Trump’s latest win provoked immediate reactions in Brazilian politics. Former President Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters are ecstatic because they believe that the political tide will once again turn in their favour - with a little help from the White House.
The Brazilian left, for its part, is doing an examination of conscience. After suffering a major blow in the municipal elections of October 2024, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula) and his allies can no longer count on the US to promote their agendas at home and abroad.
