Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has officially declared his support for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of Brazil’s presidential runoff election on October 25, 2026. The endorsement comes as Lula faces right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely watched contest that could shape Brazil’s political future.
Sánchez announced his support in a post on X on October 14, praising Lula’s commitment to fighting inequality, expanding social rights and defending democracy. “Lula represents a Brazil that fights against injustice and inequality, expands rights, and defends democracy against authoritarianism,” Sánchez wrote, adding that Brazil deserved to continue moving towards a future of hope and progress.
Sánchez’s endorsement places the Spanish leader among prominent international figures expressing support for Lula as Brazil prepares for the decisive second round of voting.
The Spanish prime minister highlighted issues that have long featured prominently in Lula’s political platform, including reducing economic inequality, protecting social rights and strengthening democratic institutions.
His message also reflects broader political divisions in Europe and Latin America over the direction of democratic governance, social policy and the rise of right-wing political movements. Although Sánchez’s endorsement signals political solidarity, the Brazilian election will ultimately be decided by Brazilian voters.
The endorsement comes after a competitive first round in Brazil’s 2026 presidential election. Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, emerged ahead of Lula in the first round, setting up a head-to-head contest between the two candidates on October 25.
The result has created a challenging political situation for Lula, who is seeking another presidential term after returning to office in 2023.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign has attracted support from several conservative and right-wing political groups, while Lula is seeking to consolidate support among progressive voters and other sections of the electorate.
Sánchez’s public backing of Lula adds an international dimension to Brazil’s election campaign. As head of Spain’s government and leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, Sánchez has frequently advocated progressive economic policies, social protection and international cooperation.
His endorsement could strengthen the sense of solidarity among progressive political leaders, although its direct influence on Brazilian voters remains uncertain.
Brazil is one of Latin America’s largest economies and plays an important role in international climate negotiations, trade, diplomacy and relations between Europe and South America. The outcome of the election could therefore have implications beyond Brazil, particularly for cooperation with European governments on climate policy, economic development and democratic governance.
With the runoff scheduled for October 25, both candidates face the challenge of persuading undecided voters and mobilising their respective political bases.
Lula will seek to defend his record and present his vision for Brazil’s future, while Flávio Bolsonaro will attempt to build on his first-round lead and expand his support among conservative voters.
Sánchez’s endorsement adds to the international attention surrounding the contest, but the decisive factor will be the choices made by Brazilian voters at the ballot box.
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