U.S. Elections Deal Blow to Trump, Sparking Celebrations Among Lula Supporters and Nikolas' Criticism of Janja - Folha de S.Paulo

The Democratic Party's victory in the U.S. midterm elections, held on Tuesday (3), was celebrated on social media by politicians and supporters of President Lula's (PT) administration, some of whom linked Donald Trump's setback to the Brazilian president's reelection on October 25. With vote counting still underway, Democrats won 239 of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives, compared with 147 for Republicans, and secured at least 54 of the Senate's 100 seats. Trump told The New York Times he was willing to accept the result and work with the opposition.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez framed the result as part of a movement against the far right: "It happened in Brazil. It just happened in the United States." Congresswoman Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) described the victory as extremely important. André Janones (Rede-MG) wrote that Lula's victory "is inspiring the whole world." First Lady Janja posted an image of the Statue of Liberty embracing Christ the Redeemer, both making the "L" gesture.

Among Bolsonaro supporters, most leading figures had not commented as of Wednesday (4). Congressman Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) reposted Janja's image with the comment, "This woman's lack of common sense still surprises me." Paulo Figueiredo highlighted that Florida remains Republican and retained important seats for the "Brazilian cause." Carla Zambelli, who faces extradition proceedings in Italy, wrote: "Don't celebrate too soon, leftists. There will be no extradition of Flávio Bolsonaro or Eduardo Bolsonaro."

Other allies focused on the contest for the Senate presidency, while Eduardo Bolsonaro did not comment on the result.