Weekly Report - 10 November 2022 (WR-22-45)

With political tensions still high in Brazil, after one of the most polarised elections in the country’s recent history, president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the leftist Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), is rushing to make arrangements to ensure the sustainability of his future government, which will be inaugurated on 1 January. Facing the challenge of uniting a deeply divided country after narrowly defeating President Jair Bolsonaro of the right-wing Partido Liberal (PL) in the 30 October run-off, former president Lula (2003-2011) started work on two fronts this week. First, to find resources to finance his campaign promises, particularly in the social arena – a daunting challenge given Brazil’s dire fiscal situation. Second, to increase the country’s engagement in the global fight against climate change – which in the view of Lula’s allies could boost international support for his government.