Mamdani Congratulates Lula on Re-Election Amid Election Controversy
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani congratulates Lula on his re-election, citing Marxist anthem amid legal disputes.
2 min read
New York City’s left-wing Mayor Zohran Mamdani extended his congratulations to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following his narrow re-election victory in the second round of Brazil’s presidential election. The result, which came after Lula lost the first round to Senator Flávio Bolsonaro by a margin of just over two points, has sparked controversy due to allegations of irregularities in the electoral process.
Controversy Over Election Integrity
According to reports, a judge loyal to Lula intervened at the last minute to keep the polls open for an additional two hours in Bahia, Lula’s northeastern stronghold. As of Monday, Bolsonaro has not conceded the race, raising questions about the legitimacy of the outcome. Despite these concerns, left-wing figures and celebrities around the world have swiftly congratulated Lula on his re-election to a historic fourth term, even as much of Latin America appears to be shifting toward the right.
A Marxist Anthem and Its Legacy
Mamdani’s message included a quote from the Marxist protest anthem “The People United Will Never Be Defeated,” a song written by Chilean pianist Sergio Ortega during the turbulent era of Salvador Allende’s presidency. The song became a symbol of resistance during the 1973 coup led by General Augusto Pinochet, which ended Allende’s socialist government and led to 17 years of authoritarian rule in Chile.
Historical Context and Legacy
Allende, who nationalized Chile’s mining industry, faced a series of strikes and economic turmoil that ultimately led to Pinochet’s coup. Allende’s death during the coup remains a subject of debate, with some claiming he committed suicide and others insisting he died in a heroic last stand. The song, which gained widespread popularity among leftists during the exile of its musicians, has since become a rallying cry for movements such as the “Yellow Vest” protests in France.
Enduring Influence of the Anthem
Percussionist Carlos Quezada, who played in Ortega’s band and was exiled to France after the Pinochet coup, recalled the song’s significance in a BBC interview. He described the anthem as a tool for raising awareness and resistance, often played at concerts during the 2018-2020 “Yellow Vest” protests. The song’s enduring legacy continues to resonate in modern political movements across the globe.
Source: Breitbart
