Dear Colleagues,

For so many reasons, Lula’s victory in Brazil last weekend was a vital ànd  inspiring one. Turns out you can still win elections, if you’re over 80 (and not Adorno material ). Besides Lula’s remarkable resilience, the mobilization of Generation Z on and off the streets, women (often the smarter sex at the ballot box), and even a left wing evangelical Christian /”Whatsapp general” played key roles in this unexpected victory.  After Hungary (some months ago) and together with Serbian students (also this weekend), Lula & co offered another lesson in the anti-authoritarian playbook. Even if this one felt like dodging a bullet.

Next up re ‘the political determinants of health’ & ‘Geopolitical health’: the midterms in the US, and a bit later, the French presidential elections. (re the latter: it’s obvious Le Pen will have no trouble getting to the first 40% of the votes in the second round; however, she’ll have to “work” for the remaining 10 % for victory, which...