Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appears to have cemented a left-wing political conquest of Latin America with a narrow election victory over incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro in October. From Mexico to Chile, the continent’s constantly shifting political map resembles that of the early 2000s once more. But this time is different, as the new regional trend is motivated by pragmatism rather than ideology. Since Lula’s election as President of Brazil in October, left-wing governments in the region have had it easy. The newly elected leaders have promised to change the economic models of their respective countries.
According to analysts, economic woes and the devastating effects of the pandemic pushed voters to the left. According to political analysts, while the new leaders have enough support to govern, they do not appear to have the majority needed to enact major reforms. The new rulers face a complex external environment, particularly as the US strengthens “value-oriented diplomacy” in Latin America. According to him, the US will attempt to create internal polarisation and antagonism among Latin American governments.
