Veteran leader Lula da Silva is set to assume Brazil’s Presidency for the third time crowning a political career that has seen several ups and downs including feisty run-ins with the conservatives and the far-right.

Outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro has left for the United States ahead of oath taking after the Supreme Court threw out his petition questioning Lula’s victory in the tightly contested polls.

A new administration is assuming power in Brazil today. Luis Inácio Lula da Silva will be sworn in as President — just three years after being released from prison on corruption charges and 12 years after his first two terms as president. https://t.co/OZw7A7Z8Aa pic.twitter.com/eKTlKbx9vA

— Weekend Edition (@NPRWeekend) January 1, 2023

After assuming the presidency, the charismatic Lula, who had been imprisoned five years faces three key challenges.

First, he has to reboot a faltering post-covid economy without sharpening the rich-poor divide in his country.

Second, he has to fight the rampant destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

Finally,  the president-elect faces the enormous task of ensuring political stability, which will be challenged by Bolsonaro’s followers who have the majority in parliament.

Thousands flock to vicinities of Palácio do Planalto, seat of Brazilian government, to attend the inauguration of @LulaOficial as new President of #Brazil pic.twitter.com/0LgpUzYudd

— Jeff Nascimento (@jnascim) January 1, 2023

The Far-right has been seeking military intervention after Lula narrowly won the October 30 runoff election, 50.9% to 49.1%.

Also Read: Brazilian environment minister resigns over illegal logging in Amazon