Ankara:US President Donald Trump described Flavio Bolsonaro's first-round showing in Brazil's presidential election as a 'great victory.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, emerged as the leading candidate in the first round of voting and is set to face current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff on October 25. Bolsonaro secured approximately 47% of the votes, while Lula garnered about 45%. As neither candidate achieved the majority needed to win outright, a runoff is required.
Trump has longstanding connections with the Bolsonaro family and previously met Flavio Bolsonaro in May at the White House during Bolsonaro's presidential campaign. Both leaders have advocated for stronger US-Brazil relations, and Bolsonaro aligned himself with Trump throughout his campaign.
The impending runoff has drawn significant international interest, with both Bolsonaro and Lula aiming to win over voters who backed other candidates in the initial round. Trump's endorsement of Bolsonaro is consistent with his prior criticisms of Lula's administration, particularly regarding its policies toward the United States.