This is a massive win for Brazil's indigenous peoples and the environment; Lula has pledged to end Amazonian deforestation by 2030 and has a record of deforestation reduction (see graph below). Bolsonaro Jr aimed to carry forward his father's (Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil 2019-2023) destructive vision - not "a single centimetre" of indigenous land demarcation, dismantlement of environmental protections etc. Deforestation increased during Jair Bolsonaro's 2019-2024 presidency as he supported illegal logging and gold-mining whilst his government systematically dismantled environmental protections.
A Victory to be Celebrated
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Lula) has defeated Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil's 2026 Presidential election
![[Mohamed Abd El Ghany for Reuters] Lula UN world climate conference COP27](/imager/media/84865/Lula-un-world-climate-conference-cop27_7e0f41fba65117f85a3cd9a65a4a1008.webp)
Amazonian deforestation by president, Brazil
Lula (green) reduces deforestation. Jair Bolsonaro (grey) actively promotes environmentally damaging practices. Data from Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) | PRODES (Deforestation)
"Indigenous people in Brazil celebrate the victory of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva" - TK, Xingu Indigenous Territory
"Lula’s victory brings me hope, hope that the Amazon will be better protected and that the rights of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities will be respected and their voices heard. I believe that caring for the forest also means caring for the people who live within it; those who know its history and have helped keep it alive for generations. I hope this victory translates into concrete actions, greater respect, the protection of territories, and new opportunities for these communities. To defend Amazônia is to also defend the lives, culture and future of those who are part of it" - JS, River Juruá