Brazil Election Results: Jair Bolsonaro Breaks Silence on Loss to Lula, But Did Not Concede Defeat
Jair Bolsonaro is now the first incumbent president to lose a reelection bid in Brazil after Lula was declared the winner of last weekend's presidential runoff elections. He stayed silent for a while when the results became clear, but now, the right-wing incumbent has seemingly broken his silence.
In a short speech held at the presidential palace in Brasilia, Bolsonaro stated that he would "continue to fulfill all the commandments of our constitution." However, while he stated that he would cooperate with the transfer of power, the controversial politician did not concede defeat to his rival, leftist candidate Lula, according to CNN.
According to Bolsonaro chief-of-staff Ciro Nogueira, the president would be working with the new government and is already waiting for Lula's transition team to begin the transfer of power.
"President Jair Messias Bolsonaro authorized me, when it is time, based on the law, to start the transition process," said the chief-of-staff.
Jair Bolsonaro Hits Back on His Critics
Bolsonaro did hit back at his critics, though, saying that while they label him as "undemocratic," he claimed that he has "always played within the four lines of the constitution."
According to the Associated Press, the firebrand politician also thanked the 58 million people who voted for him. He also said that he also supports the nationwide protests by truckers in Brazil who have set up roadblocks around the country. However, he added that his support only comes as long as they do not become violent.
"Current popular movements are the result of indignation and a feeling of injustice regarding how the electoral process occurred," he said.
Independent political analyst Thomas Traumann stated that this is a "two-fold move" on the part of Bolsonaro, who did not recognize defeat but sustained the suspense as he "wants to continue to dominate" and at the same time, maintain the "possibility of peaceful demonstrations."
READ MORE: Brazil Election Results: Lula Beats Jair Bolsanaro After Controversial Race, Brazilians React
U.S. Pres. Joe Biden Congratulates Lula, Spoke With the New Brazilian President on the Phone
U.S. President Joe Biden was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Lula. Biden earlier promised Lula that he would swiftly recognize the outcome of the Brazilian elections no matter who won to prevent Bolsonaro from staging a Donald Trump-style coup inspired by the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
The official White House website released Biden's statement on Lula's victory, which read, "I send my congratulations to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his election to be the next president of Brazil following free, fair, and credible elections. I look forward to working together to continue the cooperation between our two countries in the months and years ahead."
The White House official website also confirmed that Biden spoke with Lula on Monday via a phone call.
They discussed the strong relationship between the United States and Brazil and committed to working together to address the common challenges both countries are facing, including climate change, food security, and immigration.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro declines to concede - WPLG Local 10