EFF, Ramaphosa congratulate Brazil’s Lula on fourth term

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the EFF have extended congratulations to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following his election comeback on Sunday, securing a historic fourth term.

On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Lula, and the people of Brazil. This victory will echo beyond the shores of Brazil. It is a victory for the global south and progressive forces throughout the world.

The win has been hailed by the EFF and Ramaphosa as a defining moment for democracy, the Global South, and the ongoing fight against global inequality.

The EFF stated that Lula’s victory reaffirms the importance of government intervention in tackling inequality, reducing poverty and unemployment, supporting working-class communities and protecting the Amazon rainforest through social assistance programmes. The party said his victory was a relief for democracy, whilst criticising Bolsonaro, saying that his alignment with US President Donald Trump was a threat to the people and interests of Brazil.

At a time when the United States is using economic pressure to advance its interests, Brazil’s right to pursue an independent foreign policy and strengthen BRICS and the Global South must be defended.