EU Expects Bolsonaro to 'Consolidate Democracy' in Brazil

The European Union expects future Brazilian leaders to "work to consolidate democracy", an EU spokeswoman said Monday when asked whether president-elect Jair Bolsonaro posed a threat to democratic values.

Bolsonaro, who openly admires Brazil's former military dictatorship and shocked many with his derogatory remarks on women, gays and blacks, won 55 percent of the vote in a run-off election Sunday.

European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker will sign a congratulatory letter to Bosonaro, spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud told reporters.

"We respect the democratic choices made by the Brazilian people. Brazil is a democratic country with solid, strong institutions," Bertaud said when asked whether Bolsonaro's election posed a threat to democratic values.

"And we expect all future presidents to continue to work to consolidate democracy for the greater good of the Brazilian people."