Bolsonaro speaks out after election results – no concession of electoral defeat

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (PL, right) made his first comments on Tuesday, Nov. 1, following the second round of the presidential election against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT, left), in which he suffered a defeat, according to statements by the Superior Electoral Court TSE.

The results of the elections were certified by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) on Sunday evening, Oct. 30.

In the speech, which lasted less than two minutes, Bolsonaro thanked “the 58 million Brazilians who voted for me.”

“The current popular movements are the result of the indignation and sense of injustice of the electoral process,” he said regarding the street blockades across the country.

In his speech, Bolsonaro did not mention President-elect Lula da Silva’s name or speak specifically about the electoral defeat.

There was not the slightest comment about whether he acknowledged defeat or not.

The president confined himself to noting that the right-wing faction has gained strength in the legislature due to the results.

“The right has asserted itself in our country. Our strong representation in Congress shows the strength of our values,” he said, asserting that the right has formed “various leadership bodies throughout Brazil.”

“Our dream remains more alive than ever,” Bolsonaro said.

After more than 40 hours in which he had not taken a public position, Bolsonaro did not appear before the press to deliver his statement until Tuesday afternoon at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia.

The speech, which had been expected since early afternoon, did not begin until around 4:30 pm.

After completing the statements, the president did not answer questions from journalists and withdrew from the hall.

Bolsonaro’s allies and ministers stood next to the president during the speech.

In addition to Bolsonaro, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, his son, was also present.

Authorized by Bolsonaro, Ciro Nogueira said that the government will begin with the transition.

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