PM Modi extends full support to Lula after Bolsonaro’s supporters riot in Brazil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended full support to Brazilian authorities after former President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters targeted state institutions in Brasilia.

“Deeply concerned about the news of rioting and vandalism against the State institutions in Brasilia. Democratic traditions must be respected by everyone. We extend our full support to the Brazilian authorities,” PM Modi tweeted.

Condemnations have also come thick and fast from other world leaders.  United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres  condemned Bolsonaro supporters’ breach of Brazil’s Supreme Court, Congress and presidential palace.

US President Joe Biden also condemned the violence in Brazil which erupted in the South American country after former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed Congress (the country’s legislature), the Supreme Court and the Presidential Palace on Sunday. The US President called the violence an “assault on democracy”.

French President Emmanuel Macron backed  President Lula da Silva saying he can count on the unfailing support of France. “The will of the Brazilian people and the democratic institutions must be respected! President Lula can count on the unfailing support of France,” President Macron tweeted.

The story so far:

• Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the country’s congressional building, Supreme Court and presidential palace on Sunday.
• Police in reponse cleared the crowds from government buildings, making at lease 400 arrests.
• The mobs targeted government institutions for around a week President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, inaugurated his presidency after defeating Bolsonaro in a runoff election on Oct. 30.
• Bolsonaro had challenged the election results, did not explicitly concede his defeat, though he did say he would cooperate with the transition of power.

Also Read: Brazil’s Lula da Silva returns to power after 12 years in wilderness