Lula sworn in as Brazil president, promises to rebuild country

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been sworn in as Brazil’s president. He now faces the difficult task of reuniting the country following an intense campaign.

Lula, who led Brazil’s leftist government from 2003 through 2010 during two previous terms as the country’s leader, beat former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro in an October runoff.

Lula’s inauguration ceremony took place on Sunday in the capital Brasilia. Hundreds of thousands of people cheered as the new president’s motorcade made its way through the streets.

In a speech to Congress, Lula said democracy was the great winner in the election and that his message is one of hope and rebuilding the country.

He stressed that his priorities are fighting poverty, improving welfare, and protecting the Amazon rainforest.

A presidential sash was handed to the new leader by a group of citizens, not the outgoing president, in a break from tradition after Bolsonaro left for the United States in late December.

One of Bolsonaro’s supporters was arrested for allegedly attempting to carry out a bombing in Brasilia late last month.

Lula faces the challenge of bridging a gap in society as supporters of the two camps are widely divided.

On the diplomatic front, Lula says he values relations with China and the United States and is willing to play a role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine.