Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, sworn in as Brazil’s president for a third term in Brasilia on Sunday, received the presidential sash during ceremonies from representatives of the people, including indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire, in the absence of Jair Bolsonaro. .
The democratic tradition tends to want the newly elected president to receive the clothing of his predecessor. This is the first time since 1985, and the end of the military regime, that the transfer of power has not taken place as planned in Brazil between the former and the new president.
The absence of the former Brazilian head of state was expected, since Jair Bolsonaro chose to snub the inauguration ceremonies by leaving the country two days earlier for the United States.
A black boy, a steel worker and an Indian chief
Breaking protocol, Lula climbed the ramp of the Planalto presidential palace escorted by a black boy, a steel worker, a cook, a teacher and a disabled youth, among other representatives of the Brazilian people.
In one of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony, Aline Sousa, a 33-year-old black employee, girded Lula with the presidential sash, a green and yellow silk ribbon set with gold and diamonds.
Native chief Raoni Metuktire, an emblematic indigenous chief defender of the Amazon, easily identifiable by his characteristic lip disk and yellow feathered headdress, was also one of the citizens designated to accompany the new president.
On behalf of France, the Delegate Minister of Foreign Trade Olivier Becht was also present.
The president in tears
Through tears, the new president hugged each member of the group, before posing for photographers and greeting the tens of thousands of people, often dressed in red, the color of his Workers’ Party (PT), gathered at the Place des Three Powers. .
He was accompanied by the First Lady, Rosangela da Silva, alias Janja, organizer of the ceremony, and her dog Resistencia, adopted while in prison, accused of corruption.
The 77-year-old icon of the Brazilian left has been sworn in for a third term as head of the country. He had already held the presidential palace from 2003 to 2010.
Reclusive and nearly silent since his defeat in October, far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro flew to Florida.
Source: BFM TV
