Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been sworn in as the new president of Brazil – the third time he has held the country’s highest office.
The veteran left-wing politician, known widely as Lula, also led the country between 2003 and 2010 – and defeated Jair Bolsonaro in October’s poll.
In his first speech, Lula vowed to rebuild a country in “terrible ruins”.
He decried the policies of his predecessor, who went to the US on Friday to avoid the handover ceremony.
A sea of Lula supporters gathered in front of Congress since early in the morning – decked out in the red colour of his Workers’ Party. They travelled to see their leader sworn in – but also for a celebration.
More than 60 artists – including Samba legend Martinho da Vila – were booked to perform on two giant stages decorated in the national flag as part of a music festival dubbed “Lulapalooza”.
“Love has won over hate,” read one banner carried by a man dressed as Lula – complete with a presidential sash.
“Brazil needed this change, this transformation,” said another backer of the incoming leader as she queued for Sunday’s festivities.
Lula and incoming Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin paraded through the city on an open-top convertible before proceeding to the Congress building – where the swearing-in occurred at the start of the formal inauguration ceremony.
The men have spent the past days selecting their cabinet and appointing supporters to key state-owned businesses.
Shortly after being sworn in, Lula sought to instil a sense of hope in the people of Brazil and promised to “rebuild the nation and make a Brazil of all, for all”.
There were several instances when he got out his hanky. His most emotional moment came when speaking to the Brazilian people after the swearing-in ceremony – he started sobbing when talking about those who beg at traffic lights, desperate for food.
Probably not even Lula thought this day would ever come – a return to the top job after two decades, despite a spell in prison after being convicted of corruption. The convictions were subsequently annulled in 2021.
