**Brazilians beat back Bolsonaro as former president Lula returns after 12 years**
**SÃO PAULO, Brazil** — After 12 years, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is back in the presidential palace in the capital of Brazil. The leftist icon was sworn into office Sunday afternoon, moments after his handpicked successor, Dilma Rousseff, departed the Planalto Palace, the presidential headquarters in Brasília, without attending Lula’s inauguration.
Lula’s return to power marks a stunning political comeback for a man who was once imprisoned on corruption charges. His victory is a blow to the far-right incumbent, Jair Bolsonaro, who has spent the past four years undermining Brazil’s democratic institutions and spreading disinformation.
Lula’s inauguration was a joyous occasion for his supporters, who packed the esplanade in front of the Planalto Palace and cheered as he took the oath of office. He promised to unite the country after a bitter election campaign and to work to improve the lives of all Brazilians.
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