Voting results from abroad show split support as runoff count continues.

On Sunday, voting by Brazilian citizens residing in Asia and Oceania concluded with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva winning in five of the nine nations in the region.

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Far-right Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who is the presidential candidate of the Liberal Party (PL), secured victories in the four remaining jurisdictions.

Shortly after noon, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) published a first report on votes abroad, where some 918,000 Brazilians are legally eligible to participate in the presidential runoff. So far the results are as follows:

Lula da Silva

The Workers’ Party leader won in Finland (74.83%), Estonia (82.90%), Cyprus (53.70%), Jordan (90.51%), Syria (90.60%), Kuwait (78.48%), Saudi Arabia (61.25%), Egypt (78.95%), Kenya (64.44%), China (73.67%), Singapore (63.77%), South Korea (64.35%), Australia (63.46%) and New Zealand (80.54%).

Brazilian voters living in Tokyo turned out on Sunday to cast their ballots in the tight presidential runoff. 🇯🇵🇧🇷

As polling stations opened abroad, members of the diaspora expressed contrasting visions for the future of South America's largest nation, covering topics ranging… pic.twitter.com/YVGHP0SBnI

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 25, 2026

Flavio Bolsonaro

The far-right senator have prevailed in Greece (54.95%), South Africa (57.92%), Mozambique (52%), Qatar (55.08%), the United Arab Emirates (54.56%), Thailand (51.72%), Indonesia (60.53%), Hong Kong (51.15%), Taiwan (58.04%), Malaysia (51.76%), the Philippines (59.09%) and Japan (80.08%).

Results Abroad Do Not Indicate a Trend

As of noon Sunday, Bolsonaro held a lead in eight countries and Lula in six. Nevertheless, information on electoral behavior in another 67 countries had not yet been incorporated into the official count.

“Portugal and the U.S., where important communities of Brazilians eligible to vote are concentrated, remained pending the closing of polls in the initial tally,” the outlet Cronica Digital reported.

“In the first round, Lula obtained 157,387 valid votes abroad, equivalent to 47.57 percent, while Flavio Bolsonaro received 143,900, equivalent to 43.49 percent,” it recalled.

Statistically speaking, voting abroad is not significant for drawing conclusions about the final direction of the runoff, since only 0.5% of Brazilian electors reside outside their country.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Cronica Digital – teleSUR

He attributed demonstrations in European cities to domestic economic and financial problems, including excessive public debt.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out that European countries continue to receive Russian liquefied natural gas while simultaneously accusing his country of fomenting protests in Europe.

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He recalled that Western countries had accused Russia of refusing to supply relatively inexpensive raw materials: oil, gas, coal and uranium. “But we have never refused anything to anyone,” Putin stressed.

The Kremlin chief stated that although Europeans are “planning to stop buying what they are still receiving from Russia,” they continue to receive substantial quantities of products.

“Our LNG accounts for 20% of the European market. That is a significant market segment,” he emphasized.

Russia’s President Putin talks about European energy prices and deliberate decisions which have increased prices to consumers.

“We used to sell natural gas to Europe for $150.
Now they are paying $1000”

Putin during BRICS 2026 Summit in India. pic.twitter.com/WIXbAbqE1j

— Andrew Bridgen (@ABridgen) September 24, 2026

Putin also said that Russia agrees that the transition to renewable energy sources is necessary, but that it must take place gradually and as other sources become ready for rational and economically viable use.

“Let’s shut down nuclear power plants, Let’s close open-pit coal mines, and so on. I don’t even understand what they intend to use,” Putin said of European policies, which he described as the underlying causes of ongoing protests.

“What is their cause? Their own mistakes in various areas. In the economy and finance, there is excessive public debt, exceeding 100%,” Putin said.

“There is no need to blame anyone abroad,” he stressed, adding that Europeans must address the problems they themselves have created on their own territory.

“If this work is not done, things will get worse for Europe itself,” Putin said, adding that Europeans would fail to analyze the causes of their difficulties and would “shift the blame” to the United States and Russia.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

They reject restrictions on demonstrations and partial curfews as a broader wave of protests spreads across France.

On Sunday, the Yellow Vests movement’s coordination group called for demonstrations featuring pot-banging protests outside the National Assembly on Friday, Oct. 30, to protest French President Emmanuel Macron.

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“Macron and his administration have decided to take another step toward authoritarianism. They ban our demonstrations, impose curfews, and close city centers to protesters. We will make our pots and pans heard beneath the windows of lawmakers,” the Yellow Vests said.

The group, whose demonstrations shook France in 2018 during Macron’s first term, also called for the action to be extended to areas outside city halls in protest of restrictions on demonstrations and partial curfews in some cities.

These demonstrations are part of a wave of protests that began in September, when high school students took to the streets to demand improvements at their schools.

Le 24 octobre, manifestation dans la rue avec les étudiants et les gilets jaunes.

Des gens si différents, un même rythme. Pour le pouvoir d'achat, la dignité et l'avenir.

📸 Crédit photo : Desteek Photography#24Octobre #GiletsJaunes #etudiant #Act2 #act3 pic.twitter.com/1QF1oNp9Gm

— Desteek Jeya (@DesteekJeya) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “On Oct. 24, a street demonstration with students and the Yellow Vests. Such different people, yet sharing the same rhythm. For purchasing power, dignity, and the future.”

They later received support from college students, labor unions and the Yellow Vests, who added their demands for action against the rising cost of living and in defense of public services.

Organizers of the demonstrations held over the past two weekends have called for another day of protests on Saturday, Oct. 31, and are preparing a general strike for Nov. 5.

On Monday, in an effort to avert those events, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will meet with representatives of student organizations, teachers, labor unions, business organizations, local authorities and lawmakers.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

President of the BRICS New Development Bank received a warm welcome from Workers’ Party supporters.

On Sunday, former Brazilian President and current President of the BRICS New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff exercised her right to vote at Santa Marcelina School, located in the Pampulha region of Belo Horizonte.

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The progressive leader arrived at the polling station during the presidential election runoff and was warmly welcomed by supporters of the Workers’ Party (PT).

During the day, she was accompanied by her great-nephew and federal deputy-elect, Pedro Rousseff; federal deputy Rogerio Correia; and federal deputy-elect Bella Gonçalves.

Activists gathered at the site expressed their support for the former president through fighting slogans such as “Dilma, warrior of the Brazilian people” and popular chants in support of her political career. Rousseff greeted the supporters and posed with them before heading to the ballot boxes.

SAFTU Statement of Solidarity with Brazil’s Workers and People

Brazilian workers, Indigenous Peoples, landless families and all those who have struggled for dignity and social justice must come out in their millions to defend the gains won through years of struggle.

Lula da… https://t.co/2hyNG2yfjW

— Zwelinzima Vavi (@Zwelinzima1) October 25, 2026

The welcome Rousseff received on Sunday differed substantially from the events of the first round of voting held Oct. 4. On that occasion, she faced a hostile atmosphere created by far-right groups, which forced her to leave the site as quickly as possible to prevent physical attacks by Bolsonaro’s supporters.

Currently, Rousseff resides in Shanghai, because of her responsibilities as head of the BRICS multilateral financial institution. However, she maintains her voter registration in the capital of the state of Minas Gerais.

Her in-person participation in the election reaffirms the commitment of the PT’s historic leaders to popular mobilization and the consolidation of democracy in Brazil.

In the first round, Flavio Bolsonaro received 56.1 million votes, or 47%, while Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, garnered 53.8 million votes, or 45.16%. Abstention totaled 33.5 million, equivalent to 21.08% of registered voters, making this segment of the population the key battleground in the political contest in recent days.

At the closing rally of his campaign in Sao Paulo, Lula da Silva denounced ties between Rio de Janeiro criminal organizations and Flavio Bolsonaro, whom he described as a person “who does not have the political, moral or ethical qualifications to become president.”

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Brasil de Fato – EFE – teleSUR

Voters cast ballots for far-right senator Bolsonaro or incumbent Lula da Silva amid a mostly peaceful atmosphere.

On Sunday, the second round of Brazil’s presidential election drew thousands of Braziliasn to polling stations in Madrid, where they voted for their next president, choosing between far-right senator Flavio Bolsonaro and incumbent Luiz Inazio Lula da Silva.

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The second day of voting in the Spanish capital saw large, orderly crowds throughout the morning and a mostly peaceful atmosphere, although some voters clashed at the entrance to Blanca de Castilla School over their ideological differences. Workers organizing the lines had to separate them.

“The flow of voters is quite impressive compared with the first round. Many, many voters who did not come in the first round are here for the second,” said Brazilian Consul Maria Angelica Ikeda.

“The atmosphere has been very good, even though this is a very tense election. Here on the street, there are people who support one candidate and people who support the other, but they are all calm. Everything is going very well,” she added.

A onda da esquerda no Brasil vai revelar uma nova geração de lideranças.#LulaPelaDemocracia pic.twitter.com/46d3NX6yG9

— Lázaro Rosa 🇧🇷 (@lazarorosa25) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “The left-wing wave in Brazil will reveal a new generation of leaders. Lula for Democracy!”

In the first round, held Oct. 4, the results in Madrid were 3,571 votes for Lula da Silva and 2,333 votes for Flavio Bolsonaro.

“I believe there is no such thing as a perfect society. We have an endemic problem with corruption, and unfortunately, that is something that will be very difficult to solve under any circumstances,” said Ana Paula Santos, a Brazilian woman who has lived in Spain for 25 years.

“There are universal values that Bolsonaro has shown, through his actions, that he does not uphold. The vote is individual, but the consequences are collective,” she stressed, explaining why she voted for Lula da Silva.

Santos was accompanied by Cristina Ana Perez, another Brazilian who said she does not share Bolsonaro’s “very radical” views and therefore voted in favor of Lula da Silva’s re-election.

In Barcelona, more than 40,000 residents of Spain will be able to exercise their right to vote. In the Madrid consular jurisdiction, 23,520 Brazilians are eligible to vote, and polling is open until 5 p.m. local time.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

Police operations left 31 people detained and more than 20 injured, prompting parties to criticize PM Montenegro.

Early Sunday morning, Portuguese police violently evicted housing rights encampments that had been taking place in Lisbon and Oporto. The police operations left 31 people detained and more than 20 people injured.

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The police action prompted reactions from most opposition parties, which criticized Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and his convenient silence in the face of the events.

Socialist Party (PS) leader Jose Luis Carneiro demanded a “comprehensive explanation” from the Montenegro administration regarding the police action at the encampments. He emphasized that the solution to the housing problem “is political, never police-related.”

“Montenegro cannot, through his silence, continue to pit the police against citizens and citizens against the police,” the Socialist leader said.

Although the government has not yet commented on the police operation, one of the parties in the governing coalition, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), has spoken out.

Its spokesman, Sebastiao Bugalho, defended the “proportionality” of the police action, which took place “within the legal framework that is supposed to apply to protect the right to demonstrate.”

🇵🇹 Manifestação pacífica pelo direito à habitação, foi violentamente desmobilizada pela polícia de intervenção, no centro de Lisboa. O governo de direita português mandou evacuar a praça do Rossio durante a madrugada. Houve 31 detenções. pic.twitter.com/CgJBaD9cyU

— geopol•pt (@GeopolPt) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “A peaceful demonstration for the Right to Housing was violently dispersed by riot police in downtown Lisbon. The right-wing Portuguese government ordered the evacuation of Rossio Square in the early hours of the morning. There were 31 arrests.”

Meanwhile, far-right politician Andre Ventura, founder and leader of the Enough! party (Chega), defended the eviction, asserting that “the police have been very patient with these people camping out in the squares. Too patient, even!”

Nevertheless, even Ventura criticized the stance adopted by Montenegro and the Social Democratic Party, accusing the prime minister of hiding from problems and failing to come out publicly in support of the police.

In recent weeks, police violence against Portuguese citizens has drawn criticism from international humanitarian organizations such as SOS Racismo and from European left-wing parties, which have denounced the excessive use of force.

The housing movement has called for demonstrations in Lisbon and Oporto on Sunday to reject police violence, as well as another protest on Tuesday outside Parliament, where debate will begin on the 2027 state budget.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

Iliana Iotova, the favorite to reach the second round, advocates for ending military aid to Ukraine.

On Sunday, Bulgarians went to the polls to elect their next president. As many as 6.59 million voters are eligible to choose from 27 candidates, including incumbent President Iliana Iotova.

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Polling stations across the country opened at 7 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. The first exit polls may be released immediately after voting ends, while the official results must be announced no later than Tuesday evening.

The president is elected for a five-year term. To win in the first round, a candidate must secure more than half of all valid votes, provided that voter turnout exceeds 50%.

Pre-election opinion polls suggest that a runoff is inevitable, as turnout is expected to remain at or below 50% and no candidate is projected to secure more than half of the vote in the first round.

🇧🇬 Bulgaria’s presidential election, 2:30 PM update:

Iliana Yotova leads with 35.2%, followed by Andrey Gyurov at 31.8%. The gap has narrowed to just 3.4 points.

Reported turnout: 13.6%.

Source: Dnevnik YouTube. pic.twitter.com/2WnGnOuaCP

— JazzBG 🇧🇬🇪🇺🇺🇦 (@JazzBulgaria) October 25, 2026

On Sunday, the first round of the presidential election proceeded normally, but voter participation was historically low, reaching just 5.8% of the electorate by noon.

According to the Central Election Commission, this figure was barely more than half the turnout recorded at the same time during the previous presidential election, held in 2021, when participation stood at 10.2%.

Acting President Iotova, a former journalist and former member of the European Parliament with socialist leanings, is the clear favorite to advance to the second and decisive round of voting.

She will most likely face former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, a former deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank and former lawmaker with pro-European leanings.

According to the latest polls, Iotova could win up to 47% of the vote, compared with 30% for Gyurov. Iotova was the right-hand woman of Rumen Radev, who served as president until January and is now prime minister.

.
Support for Ukraine in Central and Eastern Europe

Public opinion across the region remains divided on military aid to Ukraine, according to the GLOBSEC Trends 2025 survey.

Strongest support for providing Ukraine with all the military assistance it requests comes from the… pic.twitter.com/6dGqS4JmDi

— World Data Analysis (@World_Data_A) October 25, 2026

Iotova and Radev support ending military aid to Ukraine to prevent the conflict from dragging on and favor diplomacy as a means of ending the war.

Gyurov, by contrast, advocates greater military assistance to Ukraine, as well as a more active Bulgarian policy within NATO and the European Union in support of the invaded country. He believes a Russian victory would pose a threat to the security of all of Europe.

Political scientist Dimitar Ganev attributed voters’ lack of interest, on the one hand, to the parliamentary elections held April 19, which Radev won by a landslide, and, on the other, to Iotova’s substantial lead over her rival in the polls.

“I firmly believe that there will be a boom in Bulgaria and that there must be peace, stability and security. More than anyone else, we Bulgarians need dialogue, agreement, conversation, and unity,” Iotova told reporters after casting her ballot.

According to polling projections, turnout will not exceed 50%, and none of the candidates will win an absolute majority. As a result, a second and final round will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, between the two candidates who receive the most votes.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Xinhua – EFE

He highlights massive political demonstrations during the runoff campaign and warns of isolated incidents of political violence.

On Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking reelection, voted in Sao Paulo in the presidential runoff, in which he is competing against far-right Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro.

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“I am going to vote grateful to the Brazilian people. What the people have done for me in these days is so much that there is no way to repay it. It is so much generosity, so much affection and so much love. I will be eternally grateful for the people’s behavior,” he said minutes earlier as he left his home for the polling station.

At 10 a.m. local time, the Workers’ Party leader voted at João Firmino Correia de Araujo School in Sao Bernardo do Campo, a municipality bordering Sao Paulo where he rose to prominence as a union leader in the 1970s and began his political career.

After voting, Lula, who is seeking a fourth nonconsecutive term, highlighted the largest political demonstrations in Brazil in the past 50 years during the runoff campaign.

Mais uma vez, foi o povo brasileiro que me mostrou que nenhum sonho é grande demais quando a gente caminha junto. ❤️🇧🇷

Foram dias incansáveis. Cada caminhada, cada ato e cada passeata foram muito mais do que momentos de campanha. Foram encontros de sonhos que se transformaram em… pic.twitter.com/YdgeTlMzBK

— Lula (@LulaOficial) October 25, 2026

President Lula da Silva’s text reads, “Once again, it was the Brazilian people who showed me that no dream is too big when we walk together. These were tireless days.

Every walk, every event, and every demonstration was much more than just a campaign moment. They were gatherings of dreams that transformed into concrete achievements—such as the end of the 6×1 work schedule.

Every outstretched hand and every smile reminded me why I have dedicated my life to the struggle for the working men and women of this country. We emerge from this journey stronger, more united, and more mobilized to secure a better future.

Thank you, Brazil, for every hug, every tear, every smile, and for never letting go of my hand. There are still many beautiful pages left to be written in our history. Tomorrow, October 25th, we will write another one. Together, for the Brazil we love and for the future our people deserve!“

“What I saw in this runoff was not about a political party or a union. The people took to the streets to defend their achievements,” the Workers’ Party (PT) candidate told reporters after casting his ballot.

The president also warned of isolated incidents of political violence reported in recent hours, including a brick thrown at a PT activist in the city of Montes Claros.

“This is a demonstration of what is at stake,” the progressive leader emphasized and criticized Bolsonaro, referring to him as “a militiaman” and a “morally and ethically unqualified person.”

Lula also said that on Sunday, voters would decide whether the Brazilian flag would be respected or whether to elect a political group that “wants to govern with the American flag.”

Lula, aos 33 anos, liderando junto ao sindicato dos metalúrgicos a greve que desafiou a ditadura militar no Brasil. Ele conquistou aumentos salariais e foi preso. Enquanto isso, a única profissão do Flávio foi ser vag4bundo político. #AposentadosComLula pic.twitter.com/34dsHpqtai

— Taty⭐️🚩 (@tatyestoyaqui) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “At the age of 33, Lula led the metalworkers’ union in a strike that challenged Brazil’s military dictatorship. He secured wage increases and was subsequently imprisoned. Meanwhile, Flavio’s only profession has been that of a political deadbeat.”

The Brazilian president, who will turn 81 next Tuesday, went to vote wearing a white guayabera shirt, accompanied by his wife, Rosangela Lula da Silva; Vice President Geraldo Alckmin; and five other current and former Cabinet ministers.

In the first round, held Oct. 4, Bolsonaro received the most votes, with 47% of the ballots, compared with 45% for Lula. Polling stations will close at 5 p.m., after which vote counting will begin.

The count is expected to be completed within a few hours thanks to Brazil’s electronic voting system, which was introduced three decades ago.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE

The violence left 15 police officers injured, including 14 Mossos officers and one Barcelona municipal police officer.

On Sunday, the Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, confirmed that 128 people, including 72 minors, were arrested after a social media-organized gathering of young people in central Barcelona, Spain, turned violent on Saturday.

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The violence left 15 police officers injured, including 14 Mossos officers and one Barcelona municipal police officer. Four officers were seriously injured. Shops were damaged, street furniture was set on fire and participants clashed with police.

The gathering, which had not been notified to the authorities in advance, took place at Placa de Catalunya on Saturday evening.

Most of the several hundred young people attending the event were dressed in black. The event followed calls circulating on TikTok and other social media and resembled recent protests in other European cities, particularly in France, some of which also turned violent.

🇪🇦🔸In Barcelona, approximately 100 people were detained by police following protests that escalated into large-scale youth unrest, involving the smashing of shop windows, the construction of barricades, and the setting of fires to trash containers. pic.twitter.com/ZBKSnqAj56

— Argonaut (@FapeFop90614) October 25, 2026

On Sunday, Mossos chief commissioner Silvia Cata said that police had been monitoring the social media calls for several days but were still surprised by the participants’ “gratuitous violence,” particularly toward officers.

She described the participants as “completely disorganized,” saying they gathered at Placa de Catalunya and then split into groups of four to six, without putting forward any specific demands.

The Mossos said officers made “selective” use of foam projectile launchers during the unrest, citing the force of the attacks and the need to restore public order. The violent incidents continued until 10 p.m. on Saturday, when the remaining fires on streets were extinguished.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Xinhua

Former Serbian President Vucic said that his party would respect voters’ will in the country’s snap parliamentary elections.

On Sunday, Polling stations opened across Serbia at 7 a.m. local time in snap parliamentary elections to elect the country’s 250-seat National Assembly.

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About 6.45 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots at nearly 8,400 polling stations, including over 90 abroad. Polls in Serbia are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. local time. More than 16,000 domestic and foreign observers are monitoring the vote.

Eighteen electoral lists comprising 2,418 candidates are competing for parliamentary seats. The competing lists include “Aleksandar Vucic – United Serbia” led by the Serbian Progressive Party, “Student List – Students Win” backed by student groups, and “Ivica Dacic – Stability Factor!” formed by the Socialist Party of Serbia and its allies.

Serbia elects its parliament through proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency, with voters choosing electoral lists rather than individual candidates.

Electoral lists generally need votes equivalent to at least 3 percent of the number of voters who cast ballots to qualify for seat allocation. At least 126 seats are needed for a parliamentary majority.

Under Serbia’s election law, election results must be published within 96 hours. The newly elected National Assembly must hold its first sitting within 30 days. If it fails to elect a government within 90 days, the assembly must be dissolved and new parliamentary elections called.

… 🚨

Voting is taking place in Serbia today. People have been lining up since 6 a.m. Among them is Aleksandar Vučić, whose rule students have been protesting against for the past two years.

Everyone is standing in line, yet no one approaches him to say hello, no one offers a… pic.twitter.com/YnGOLF2qeh

— Molitva Duse (@MolitvaDuse) October 25, 2026

Vucic Pledges Responsible Approach to Election Results

On Sunday, Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that his camp would act responsibly and respect voters’ will in the country’s snap parliamentary elections.

Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in Belgrade, Vucic said, “If we lose, we will recognize the electoral will; if we win, no one will take it away.” He added that he expected a high turnout and the Serbian people to express their will democratically.

“Whatever the outcome, we will remain courteous and polite,” Vucic said. Unlike some who had never congratulated their opponents, his camp would give no one cause for concern, he added.

“As for the result, let’s wait and see tonight,” he said. He expected preliminary results to emerge between 10 p.m. (2100 GMT) and midnight local time.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Xinhua

More voters are expected to participate in the second round as Lula da Silva faces Flavio Bolsonaro.

On Sunday, thousands of Brazilians went to the polls in Portugal to exercise their right to vote and elect their next president, most of them in Lisbon, the largest Brazilian polling station abroad.

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“The expectation we had seems to be confirmed. Turnout will be much higher in the runoff. We expect around 50% of eligible voters to cast their ballots,” Brazilian Ambassador Raimundo Carreria Silva said.

Brazilians will have to choose their next president between Workers’ Party candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Liberal Party candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.

Supporters of both candidates gathered at the University City of Lisbon, where several buildings were set up as polling stations. The Portuguese capital has 78,833 registered voters eligible to cast ballots in the presidential election.

🇧🇷❗️🇵🇹 Vídeos publicados nas redes mostram concentração na Universidade de Lisboa após abertura das urnas

🇺🇸❓ Embora Portugal seja superado pelos EUA como maior comunidade fora do país, a capital portuguesa representa o maior colégio eleitoral, com ~79 mil eleitores aptos pic.twitter.com/0ay92j793N

— RT Brasil (@rtnoticias_br) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “Videos posted on social media show people gathering at the University of Lisbon following the opening of the polls. While the U.S. surpasses Portugal as a place of residence for the largest community of Brazilians living outside their home country, the Portuguese capital represents the largest overseas electoral district, with approximately 79,000 eligible voters.”

One Brazilian voter in Portugal is Sabine, who traveled from the Azores archipelago to Lisbon specifically to vote after not casting a ballot in the first round.

“I didn’t vote in the first round because I thought Lula was going to win. Since there was a tie, today I felt compelled to come here so we can consolidate our democracy,” she said, expressing confidence that Brazilian President Lula da Silva would be reelected.

In the first round, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received the most votes, with 14,948 (53.51%) in Lisbon and 10,356 (52.49%) in Porto. Far-right senator Flavio Bolsonaro won in Faro with 1,305 votes (48.88%). On Oct. 6, the abstention rate in Portugal stood at 61.7%.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

About 158.7 million voters are eligible to cast ballots as Lula da Silva faces Flavio Bolsonaro in a closely contested race.

On Sunday, about 158.7 million Brazilians are eligible to vote for their next president in a runoff election between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro.

RELATED:

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Polling stations will remain open until 5 p.m. and will serve voters who are in line at closing time. The first official presidential election results are expected to be known a few hours later.

In the first round of the presidential election, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote (56.1 million ballots), compared with 45% for Lula (53.8 million votes).

São Paulo, the country’s most populous state, remains Brazil’s largest electoral district, accounting for 21.5% of voters, followed by Minas Gerais (10.3%), Rio de Janeiro (8%), Bahia (7%) and Parana (5.4%).

Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) votou na manhã deste domingo (25), em uma escola em Vila Isabel, na Zona Norte do Rio de Janeiro.
O candidato à Presidência chegou acompanhado da esposa, Fernanda Bolsonaro, de familiares e aliados políticos.

Leia mais: https://t.co/8dP60G3yp5 pic.twitter.com/WUFcGqG2RZ

— Congresso em Foco (@congressoemfoco) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “Flavio Bolsonaro (PL) cast his vote this Sunday morning (25) at a school in Vila Isabel, in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The presidential candidate arrived accompanied by his wife, Fernanda Bolsonaro, as well as family members and political allies.”

Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro Votes in Rio de Janeiro

At 8 a.m. Sunday, Liberal Party presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro voted at a school in the Vila Isabel neighborhood in the northern part of Rio de Janeiro.

“Wearing a bulletproof vest, the candidate arrived at the polling place accompanied by his wife, Fernanda; his mother, Rogeria; and Rio de Janeiro Gov.-elect Douglas Ruas,” news outlet Carta Capital reported.

“The time has come for real change. That was the case in the first round, and it should be the same in the second. Brazil cannot take another four years with things as they are. Everyone’s life has gotten worse; there is no reason to keep insisting on a mistake,” the far-right politician said.

“Rain or shine, let’s leave home and vote. Brazil will change, and Brazil will win,” he added, urging his supporters not to abstain from voting in the presidential runoff.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Carta Capital

About 158.7 million voters are eligible to cast ballots, as polls project a technical tie between the two presidential candidates.

On Sunday, polling stations across Brazil opened on time at 8 a.m. local time for the presidential runoff, in which incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, are vying for the country’s top office.

RELATED:

Brazil Votes in Presidential Runoff Between Lula and Bolsonaro

About 158.7 million voters were called to the polls on Sunday, when six state governors will also be elected. Polling stations will remain open until 5 p.m. Abstention is expected to decline from the 21.08% recorded in the first round, the highest rate since 1998.

The same hours will apply to polling stations abroad, where about 919,000 people registered to participate in the election, a 32% increase compared with the 2022 elections.

As on Oct. 4, polling stations will serve voters who are in line at closing time. In the first round of the presidential election, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote (56.1 million ballots), compared with the 45.16% won by Lula (53.8 million votes).

Com orgulho, o Partido Socialista Europeu (PES- PSE) está em São Paulo, ao lado de Lula! 🇧🇷❤️
Na véspera das eleições, o nosso Secretário-Geral, @giacomofilibeck , participa desta mobilização em apoio a Lula e ao projeto de um Brasil com mais justiça social, igualdade de gênero e… pic.twitter.com/NMmsfxlSvQ

— PES 🌹🇪🇺 (@PES_PSE) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “The Party of European Socialists (PES) is proud to be in Sao Paulo, standing with Lula! On the eve of the elections, our Secretary-General, Giacomo Filibeck, is taking part in this mobilization in support of Lula and a vision for Brazil that prioritizes greater social justice, gender equality, and environmental protection. We stand together in defense of democracy and in the fight for a fairer, more egalitarian Brazil—a country that offers opportunities for all!”

São Paulo, the country’s most populous state, remains Brazil’s largest electoral district, accounting for 21.5% of voters, followed by Minas Gerais (10.3%), Rio de Janeiro (8%), Bahia (7%) and Parana (5.4%), according to data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

According to election polls released over the past week, the Workers’ Party leader and the far-right politician are in a technical tie, with a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE

At least 800,000 people demonstrate nationwide as police make 135 arrests. A protester suffers multiple finger amputations.

Massive protests against the administration of President Emmanuel Macron proceeded peacefully for much of Saturday in several French cities.

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Police brutality, however, changed the atmosphere of the day as security forces began cracking down on demonstrators. By 1 p.m., French police had made 135 arrests amid beatings of citizens.

At least 800,000 people demonstrated across France on Oct. 24. However, tensions erupted in Paris and Marseille “during the dispersal of demonstrations,” TF1 Info reported.

The Haute-Garonne prefecture reported that a young man suffered a serious hand injury at the end of a demonstration in the Arenes neighborhood.

🔴️️ À Bordeaux, des manifestants lèvent les mains pour montrer leur caractère inoffensif, la police les charge et les gaze sauvagement

Partout en France, le mouvement populaire s'est amplifié. Les mêmes foules massives ont défilé pour exiger le blocage des prix, l'abrogation… pic.twitter.com/C9Cvuy2MB5

— L'insoumission (@L_insoumission) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “In Bordeaux, protesters raise their hands to show they pose no threat; the police charge at them and brutally gas them. Across France, the grassroots movement has gained further momentum. Massive crowds have taken to the streets to demand a price freeze, the repeal of the Parcoursup system, wage increases, and the inclusion in the budget of the 10 billion euros requested by high school and university students to address their demands.”

The protester was evacuated by firefighters after several of his fingers were amputated. Videos show that a grenade thrown by police caused the young man’s injuries. Authorities said they would conduct an investigation to determine what happened.

At a news briefing, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 136 public order incidents had been recorded nationwide during Saturday’s demonstrations, which have drawn tens of thousands of French people into public spaces across the country so far.

“In Nantes, a police officer chokes a young man and slams his head against a wall, while his partner threatens to fire a less-lethal rubber-ball launcher at residents protesting… the Macron administration continues its repression through police brutality,” L’insoumission reported.

À Grenoble, la sauvagerie policière frappe une fois de plus. La préfète de l’Isère devra rendre des comptes après avoir modifié le tracé du cortège et imposé des couvre-feux à Grenoble.

Désormais, la police du ministre de la Violence, Laurent Nuñez, balance des gaz lacrymogènes… pic.twitter.com/jMPdskG8rP

— Allan Brunon (@allanbrunon) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “In Grenoble, police brutality has struck once again. The Isere prefect will have to answer for her actions, having altered the route of the demonstration and imposed curfews in Grenoble. Now, the police force under the ‘Minister of Violence’—Laurent Nuñez—is deploying tear gas and sowing chaos at a sanctioned demonstration. This government of incompetents is in its death throes.”

The security forces’ aggression against citizens occurred despite several cities authorizing demonstrations for Saturday, including Lille, Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Grenoble, Marseille, Toulouse, Amiens and Paris.

In Lyon, where demonstrations have been banned across a large part of the city center, law enforcement officers dispersed small gatherings using tear gas grenades.

On Friday, Nunez said that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed nationwide for the demonstrations. Soldiers from the French army’s Operation Sentinelle would also be mobilized during the protests.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Xinhua – TF1 Info

People take to streets of Orleans as far-right National Rally party holds its congress.

On Saturday, under a gray sky threatening rain, thousands of people took to the streets of Orleans to say “NO” to fascism in France.

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They sought to counter far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who is officially launching her bid for the presidency of the Republic from the city this weekend as the front-runner.

“I’m protesting against Le Pen, the thief. She stole 3 million euros from European taxpayers and is still running as a candidate. She should go to prison. It’s a disgrace,” said Bruno, a resident of Orleans, a city of 116,000 people.

The retiree recalled the corruption case involving Le Pen and her party, the National Rally (RN), which diverted 2.8 million euros from the European Parliament to fund party expenses, as courts ruled in the first and second instances. Nevertheless, Le Pen avoided prison because she appealed to the Supreme Court, the third and final level of judicial review in France.

« La France n'est pas résignée ».

Nous avons marché à Orléans pour une France antiraciste, antifasciste, anticapitaliste, résolument humaniste.

Mes pensées vont d’abord à la famille du défunt et aux blessés de l’attentat raciste, islamophobe et négrophobe de Trappes. Nous… pic.twitter.com/7R9GLTC5Z6

— Bally Bagayoko (@BallyBagayoko) October 24, 2026

Bally Bagayoko’s text reads, “France does not resign. We march in Orleans for an anti-racist, anti-fascist, anti-capitalist and decidedly humanist France.

My thoughts go first to the family of the deceased and to those injured in the racist, Islamophobic and negrophobic attack of Trappes. We also work for you.

We were 26,000 people in the streets to say it loud and clear: the extreme right has no place in the Republic. 26,000 people in addition to the large crowds mobilized today throughout France against the high cost of living.

The same people, the same fight: for dignity, equality and social justice. We should have been more. The comrades who arrived by bus were blocked and parked at the motorway toll, preventing them from joining a peaceful meeting. What a shame for the prefect. silenced. They will not make us retreat.”

The march, organized by about 50 groups, including the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), proceeded peacefully through the northern part of the city along a route imposed by authorities, who kept left-wing demonstrators as far as possible from far-right activists gathered in the southern part of the city.

Thousands of people marched peacefully in a festive atmosphere despite the cold and restrictions imposed by authorities, who have banned Sunday’s demonstration, a move criticized by human rights organizations.

“Macron resign, Le Pen to prison” was one of the most frequently chanted slogans on Saturday morning, along with “The people united will never be defeated” and the national anthem, “La Marseillaise.”

French authorities deployed 3,000 police officers to Orleans to ensure the orderly conduct of the protest and the National Rally congress. The march organizers also kept watch throughout the event to ensure no one caused damage.

“I’m fed up with the far right being normalized. Things go much better when the left is in power,” said Fanny, who came out to protest despite being ill.

🇫🇷 Thousands of anti-fascist protesters took to the streets of Orléans to demonstrate against a congress held by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. pic.twitter.com/9R2zhEXuBZ

— Gianl1974 (@Gianl1974) October 24, 2026

The march lasted nearly three hours, accompanied by electronic music, Brazilian-style percussion groups and political messages. Participants ranged from children to older adults and came from all backgrounds.

Among those attending the demonstration was Bally Bakayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis and a member of the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI). Dozens of people approached him to greet him, hug him and ask for selfies.

Over the past month, Bakayoko has become a symbol of the marches, particularly because of his support for young people’s demands and his efforts to position himself between them and police during baton and tear gas assaults at one of the mass protests that have put Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu under pressure.

The march was attended by Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and CGT Secretary Sophie Binet. Although left-wing demonstrators mobilized peacefully, bars and restaurants in Orleans remained closed. Few businesses were open, even in Martroi Square. Those that were closed had covered their glass windows with boards and wooden panels.

“I trusted the left, and I know very well that we are capable of demonstrating calmly. What I was actually afraid of today was the far right,” said Juliette, a young doctor who took to the streets.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

The progressive leader seeks a fourth nonconsecutive term as Brazil heads to its tightest election in recent history.

On Saturday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gathered millions of supporters in Rio de Janeiro and said he was convinced of his victory over far-right Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.

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“I am sure we are going to win the elections. You can write it down: tomorrow I will be elected president of the Republic again,” the progressive leader declared to journalists just before setting off on a march along the Copacabana beach promenade.

The Workers’ Party (PT) leader and the son of former ruler Jair Bolsonaro will face off this Sunday for the presidency in the tightest election in Brazil’s recent history.

Lula, seeking his fourth nonconsecutive term at 80 years of age, began this last day of campaigning with a massive event in Rio, where his supporters dressed in red and unfurled a huge Brazilian flag.

Bora Rio de Janeiro! Bora Lula!
Os cariocas já estão nas ruas iniciando os atos por de a opoio a Lula que vão ocorrer em todo o Brasil todo.
Em Porto Alegre, nos encontramos às 17h, no Largo Zumbi dos Palmares.
Até breve.#Lula13 pic.twitter.com/dcVaYPu134

— Fernanda Melchionna (@fernandapsol) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “Let’s go Rio de Janeiro! Let’s go Lula! Cariocas are already in the streets starting the acts of support for Lula that will be held throughout Brazil. In Porto Alegre we meet at five in the afternoon, at Largo Zumbi dos Palmares. See you soon. Lula 13”

“We are going to win the elections, it is true that the people want change but a change for the better, forward. The people do not want to go backward,” said the former lathe operator who has become an indelible figure in South American history.

The Workers’ Party candidate accused Flavio Bolsonaro of being a “militiaman” in an allusion to the far-right candidate’s ties to relatives of Rio paramilitary groups.

“It is not possible that we fail to convince Brazilian society of the risk that democracy, freedom and people of good will face in this country,” Lula warned, and thanked the militancy for taking on the responsibility of the campaign after the first round with massive events in the streets and a strong mobilization on social networks.

“I have an army bigger than the Chinese and the American. It is the army of Lula,” the Brazilian president said in an allusion to a public WhatsApp channel that has gathered more than 10 million users who define themselves as soldiers of democracy in the fight against fascism.

On Saturday afternoon, Lula will travel to Sao Paulo, the country’s largest electoral district, to close his campaign. Meanwhile, Flavio Bolsonaro marched through the city of Belo Horizonte and will then move to Rio de Janeiro, the political cradle of bolsonarismo.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

The Spanish president warns of potential cuts to social and economic rights under far-right governments.

On Saturday, Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s President and secretary of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), pledged that if his party governs in the next legislative term, he will strengthen the right to abortion and enshrine its protection in the Constitution.

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During a pre-campaign rally in Granada, he also said he would keep euthanasia “standing as an achievement” and warned of cuts to social and economic rights that could be implemented by governments led by the conservative People’s Party (PP) or the far-right Vox party.

He began his speech by reading the poem “New Songs” by Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca in front of a special guest, singer Miguel Rios. The reading was a nod to the poet’s hometown, as Hispanist Ian Gibson had sent Sanchez an email asking him to include Lorca in his speech, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the poet’s death.

Sanchez was particularly harsh on Alberto Nuñez-Feijoo, leader of the People’s Party, accusing him of trivializing and bargaining over women’s rights.

DIRECTO | Pedro Sánchez lee el poema 'Cantos nuevos' de Lorca en el mitin de Granada: "Esta es la España que no tiene miedo a su cultura, que no borra su cultura para vivir confortablemente" https://t.co/VWsIfGJLg7 pic.twitter.com/HNJKrfnjG3

— elDiario.es (@eldiarioes) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “Pedro Sanchez reads Lorca’s poem ‘New Songs’ at a rally in Granada: ‘This is the Spain that is not afraid of its culture, that does not erase its culture in order to live comfortably.’

“I don’t know whether Feijoo’s position stems from insolence or sectarianism,” Sanchez said, before criticizing the PP leader for calling himself a feminist because he grew up surrounded by women. He was referring to a statement the opposition leader made in an interview on Friday.

“Being a feminist does not mean growing up surrounded by women. Being a feminist does not mean cutting women’s rights. No man will ever again have a say in or control women’s rights and bodies,” the Spanish president said.

Sanchez also asked why all far-right politicians, such as Argentine President Javier Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump, “look to Spain.”

He answered his own question: “I’m very clear about that. They come because this government and this nation, Spain, are living proof that hope is far more effective than the hatred they spread.”

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

French leftist leader warns of weekly demonstrations and an impending general strike.

On Saturday, French radical left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon urged French President Emmanuel Macron to yield to protesters’ demands before leaving office in May 2027.

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“You still have time to give in; afterward, you will have no choice but to leave. Give in and stop wasting our time,” Melenchon, a four-time presidential candidate, said as he marched in the Paris demonstration, which proceeded between Porte d’Italie and Porte de Vincennes.

Melenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI), warned Macron that if social demands go unanswered, mobilizations such as the one taking place in France for the second consecutive Saturday “will be repeated every week.”

“This is a very important moment in the history of popular movements in our country,” Melenchon said, convinced that “a general strike is coming” for the authorities.

Victoire totale du mouvement social. La marche s'est rassemblée au nouveau point autorisé et déferle dans le calme sur plus de quatre kilomètres. Les provocations aux désordres du préfet de police et de Lecornu sont un échec total. Pour les autorités, il est temps de céder, sinon… pic.twitter.com/S3d6k2DWf3

— Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@JLMelenchon) October 24, 2026

Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s text states: “A total victory for the social movement. The march has gathered at the newly authorized location and is proceeding calmly along a route over four kilometers long. The provocations intended to incite disorder—orchestrated by the police prefect and Lecornu—have failed completely. It is time for the authorities to yield; otherwise, they will soon have no choice but to head for the exit.”

Macron must decide whether to yield to the demands now or do so later under much more unpredictable circumstances, Melenchon said. He also accused the French president of adopting an attitude characteristic of an “absolute monarchy” by claiming to be “always right” in his dealings with others.

Melenchon said Macron had taken advantage of the state of shock caused by the racist terrorist attack in Trappes, on the outskirts of Paris, to change the route of the protest through the French capital, creating confusion among demonstrators.

“Everything is being prepared to provoke an explosion” and spark unrest, he said. He questioned the deployment of military personnel to protect public buildings and authorities’ recommendations that business owners turn to private security services, arguing that both measures contribute to rising tensions.

“They are doing absolutely everything to provoke an incident,” Melenchon insisted, urging demonstrators to remain calm, follow union instructions and maintain collective discipline “so that everything goes smoothly.”

Immense cortège à Paris pour demander l’abrogation de parcoursup, 10 milliards pour les lycéens, la hausse du SMIC et des salaires.

Et pour défendre notre liberté de manifester !

Les manœuvres de Nunez et Lecornu ont échoué. pic.twitter.com/eGJIiVKkH8

— Paul Vannier (@PaulVannierFI) October 24, 2026

The text reads, “A massive procession in Paris calling for the repeal of Parcoursup, 10 billion euros for high school students, and an increase in the minimum wage and salaries—as well as the defense of our right to protest! The maneuvers by Nunez and Lecornu have failed.”

For all these reasons, the leftist leader called on the French government to “stop provoking” demonstrators and “adding fuel to the fire,” and to listen to “demands that are not so difficult to meet.”

Melenchon also criticized meetings held during the week between the Macron administration and political parties, describing them as useless and theatrical.

“They live in a bubble, make decisions that have no connection to reality and are not even coordinated among themselves. That is why they are dangerous,” he said.

On Saturday, France faced a second day of nationwide demonstrations called by unions, students and the Yellow Vests movement to protest the rising cost of living and demand more public funding for education.

Following serious incidents on Saturday, Oct. 17, authorities deployed a major security operation on Saturday and banned demonstrations in several French cities, particularly those not organized by unions.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

Nearly 159 million voters are expected to cast ballots in a closely contested election, with polls showing the two candidates tied.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, Brazil will decide its future in the presidential runoff election, pitting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva against far-right Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro.

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Nearly 159 million Brazilians are eligible to elect their next president, who will take office on Jan. 5, 2027. Polling stations will be open for nine hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. Results will be known on Sunday, thanks to the country’s efficient electronic voting system.

The eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro enters the runoff with an advantage after receiving the most votes in the first round on Oct. 4, winning 47% of the vote, two percentage points more than the progressive leader. However, polls conducted in recent days have shown an upward trend for the Workers’ Party leader, who, at 80, is seeking his fourth nonconsecutive term.

According to the latest poll, released Thursday by polling firm Datafolha, the two candidates are tied at 50% of the valid votes. The outcome of the race is shaping up to be extremely close, even more so than in 2022, when Lula defeated Jair Bolsonaro by just over 2 million votes.

The leftist leader faces the difficult challenge of winning the election after finishing second in the first round. In the nine presidential elections held since the end of the military dictatorship (1964-1985), no one has managed such a feat. To make history, Lula will have to overcome the 2.2 million-vote gap separating him from Bolsonaro after the first round.

“I would like to ask for your vote because either we keep democracy functioning or we will have a militiaman governing this country,” Lula said on Friday night during the final televised debate before the runoff.

Este es Lula liderando con el sindicato del metal a los 33 años la huelga que desafió a la dictadura militar en Brasil. Logró aumentos salariales y fue encarcelado. Mientras, la única profesión del ultraderechista Flávio Bolsonaro ha sido la de político desde que tiene 21 años. pic.twitter.com/pp7YHexIqf

— Fonsi Loaiza (@FonsiLoaiza) October 23, 2026

The text reads, “Here is Lula, at age 33, leading the metalworkers’ union in a strike that defied Brazil’s military dictatorship. He secured wage increases and was subsequently imprisoned. Meanwhile, the far-right figure Flávio Bolsonaro has had only one profession—that of a politician—since the age of 21.”

Lula Changes Strategy

Over the past three weeks, Lula has radically shifted his campaign strategy. He has immersed himself in social media and energized his supporters with massive rallies in cities such as Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo.

He has also stepped up announcements from the presidency: he obtained congressional approval for the reduction of the workweek, forgave the debts of millions of self-employed workers, and introduced incentive measures for the video game industry.

Lula also sent Parliament a proposal to make public transportation free on weekends and holidays in the country’s nearly 6,000 municipalities.

In recent weeks, the far-right Liberal Party (PL) senator has been significantly affected by the possible consequences of his own proposals. Among them is his intention to cut public spending by US$40 billion, although Flavio insists he does not intend to take a single cent from the most vulnerable.

In recent days, the Brazilian press has also revealed new suspicions about Flavio’s involvement in a money-laundering scheme linked to online betting.

📊 PESQUISA DATA FOLHA – NACIONAL
✅ VOTOS VÁLIDOS | 2º TURNO

🔴 Lula (PT): 50% (+1) ⬆️
🔵 Flávio Bolsonaro (PL): 50% (-1) ⬇️

CONTINUEM EMPENHADOS VIRANDO VOTOS PRO LULA, AGORA É GUERRA! pic.twitter.com/vEqZ2Yp3Le

— Nordeste é 13 (@thiegocomenta) October 22, 2026

The text reads: “Datafolha poll – valid votes nationwide | Runoff. Lula (Workers’ Party): 50% (+1). Flavio Bolsonaro (Liberal Party): 50% (-1). Keep working hard to secure votes for Lula—it’s all-out war now!”

Zuckerberg’s Meta Under Scrutiny for Aiding the Far Right

The 2026 presidential campaign has become embroiled in legal disputes on an unprecedented scale. The Superior Electoral Court has received more than 800 complaints throughout the election campaign.

One of those disputes has centered on the controversial conduct of Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

Lula’s supporters have requested the annulment of Bolsonaro’s candidacy over alleged interference by Mark Zuckerberg’s company, which they accuse of favoring the circulation of far-right content while restricting progressive content.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

Mayor Guerin attributes the incidents to activists from the Millevaches Plateau, which is home to anti-capitalist communities.

On Saturday, Prosecutor Emilie Abrantes confirmed that two men had been remanded in custody over their alleged involvement in the fire at Limoges City Hall during unrest accompanying protests against the rising cost of living in France.

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The suspects, ages 34 and 66, are under investigation in a judicial proceeding opened on several charges, including attempted murder of a police officer and destruction of the municipal building. Abrantes, however, did not specify the exact charges attributed to each man.

The first suspect, a 34-year-old man from the Creuse department, was arrested on Tuesday in Bussière-Boffy, in the Haute-Vienne department, with support from RAID, France’s elite police unit.

The construction industry temporary worker and environmental advocate is listed in police records for his alleged links to far-left organizations. He was convicted of an incident involving violence against an officer during an earlier demonstration in Creuse. The second suspect, 66, was arrested on Thursday in Gentioux-Pigerolles, a town in the same department.

On Oct. 17, an arson attack severely damaged Limoges City Hall, a historic building inaugurated in 1883. Videos show individuals breaking windows and forcing open the entrance to the municipal building before entering and setting fire to its interior.

🇫🇷 Multiple cities across France including #Lyon, Grenoble, Nice, Montpellier, Limoges, Tours, Rennes, Brest, Rouen, Lille and Nancy banned all public gatherings this weekend.

In some cities like #Marseille, trade unions received authorisation from the local prefecture to… pic.twitter.com/n5YnMHLQlI

— Mahalaxmi Ramanathan (@MahalaxmiRaman) October 24, 2026

Limoges Mayor Guillaume Guerin described the 34-year-old suspect as the likely mastermind behind the operation and accused far-left factions of being behind the act.

He specifically accused activists based on the Millevaches Plateau, a rural area of about 10,000 inhabitants located between the departments of Corrèze, Creuse and Haute-Vienne.

The area has been known for decades for attracting environmentalist, anarchist, and anti-capitalist communities. The region has been the scene of other acts of sabotage claimed in the past, including the burning of vehicles belonging to electricity company Enedis in Limoges in 2020 and the destruction of a telecommunications antenna in Haute-Vienne in 2021.

In April, the courts convicted the father of the younger of the two men jailed over the Limoges City Hall fire for those acts. The man, about 70, is known for his ties to anarchist circles and his past as a Basque independence activist in the 1980s.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE