Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva was sworn in as Brazil’s president for the third time on Sunday, as threats of violence loomed from supporters of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.
Parliamentarians applauded Lula before breaking into a chant of “ole, ole ola, Lula, Lula.”.
Brazil's new President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures as he is sworn in at the National Congress, in Brasilia, Brazil, January 1, 2023.
During the ceremony, Lula broke with traditional protocol to tell a short story about the pen he used to sign congressional documents.
Looming over the ceremony was the notable absence of Bolsonaro, who left Brazil for Florida on Friday and did not specify his return date.
His trip to the United States breaks with Brazilian convention of outgoing leaders being present at their successors’ inauguration ceremony.
Lula supporters gather to attend his inauguration as new president, in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. »
