After the Brazil election: Sighs of relief in Berlin over Lula's victory

Following Lula da Silva's victory in Brazil's presidential runoff, German politicians expressed relief and optimism for future cooperation. Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Lula, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between Germany and Brazil. Despite some initial hesitation in his response, the overall sentiment in Berlin was positive, particularly regarding environmental policies. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier highlighted the need for democracies to unite against geopolitical tensions. However, the far-right AfD party called for a referendum on the election results, reflecting some dissent. Overall, Lula's win is seen as a rejection of nationalist populism and a step towards a more collaborative international stance.