Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro accepted his defeat in the elections. He made that clear in a very short speech on Tuesday. It was the first time since Sunday’s results that Bolsonaro had heard of himself. It is not yet clear whether the radical right-wing politician will accept his electoral defeat.
Bolsonaro said in a speech that lasted only minutes that he would accept the constitution. He also thanked the voters who voted for him. Then he disappeared from the stage.
In direct terms, Bolsonaro has said nothing about losing a battle with his leftist rival, former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. But Chief of Staff Ciro Nogueria made it clear right after the speech that the transfer of power had begun. Brazil’s Communications Minister Fabio Faria said earlier on Tuesday that Bolsonaro would not object to the outcome.
Bolsonaro narrowly lost the presidential election to Lula on Sunday. The latter received 50.9 percent of the vote, Bolsonaro on 49.1 percent.
Ahead of the election, Bolsonaro said he would only lose through election fraud. He suggested that he would not succumb to defeat.
Truck drivers block roads in support of Bolsonaro
In many parts of the country, truck drivers closed roads for a second day in a row on Tuesday to show support for Bolsonaro. The president previously lowered the price of diesel. Truck drivers are an important part of his constituents.
Lula, 77, wants to improve the situation of the 33 million starving Brazilians now as quickly as possible. He also promised to prevent the destruction of the Amazon and strives for fair global trade.
Bolsonaro has been the President of Brazil since January 1, 2019.