Chapter 17: Recognition

The day after the inauguration ceremony, the Palácio da Alvorada was quiet, but still filled with the energy of the previous day's historic event. Gustavo and Paola, now officially president and first lady of Brazil, were ready to begin dealing with the weight of their new responsibilities. The first hours of the day had already been filled with initial meetings with ministers and advisors, but what was to come would bring a new wave of international recognition and responsibilities.

Gustavo was sitting in his office, analyzing some of the priority proposals he had discussed during his campaign, when the presidential phone rang. On the other end of the line, his assistant informed him that several international calls were being scheduled throughout the day. Presidents, prime ministers, and heads of state from various parts of the world wanted to congratulate Gustavo on his election and discuss future partnerships with the new Brazilian government.

The first call was from President Biden of the United States. Gustavo picked up the phone, aware of the strategic importance of that conversation.

— President Andrade, it is a pleasure to finally speak with you. Congratulations on your overwhelming victory in the elections. Brazil has great potential and I am confident that under your leadership the country will reach new heights, — said the US president, in a firm but friendly voice.

— Thank you very much, Mr. President. I too look forward to strengthening relations between our countries. Brazil and the United States have much to gain from working together, especially in the area of ​​trade and international security, — Gustavo replied, direct and pragmatic.

They continued to briefly discuss topics of cooperation, including the importance of developing stronger trade relations and strategic partnerships on issues such as cybersecurity and combating organized crime. The conversation was friendly and diplomatic, and at the end, the US president invited Gustavo to an official visit to the White House in the coming months, an invitation that Gustavo accepted enthusiastically.

As soon as the first call was over, there was already another one waiting. The next to call was the Prime Minister of Germany.

— President Andrade, on behalf of Germany, I would like to congratulate you on your victory and the start of your term. We look forward to working together to solve major global challenges, especially in areas such as clean energy and sustainability, — said the German leader, with his well-known emphasis on environmental issues.

— I am immensely grateful. Brazil has vast natural resources and enormous potential to lead the world in renewable energy. We will ensure that our environmental policies go hand in hand with economic development, and I count on Germany's support in this mission, — Gustavo replied.

The conversation focused on opportunities for cooperation between Brazil and Germany in the area of ​​sustainable energy, with Gustavo reinforcing his commitment to developing the clean energy sector in Brazil, especially by taking advantage of the potential of solar and wind energy. They also discussed the possibility of technological exchanges between the two countries, something that would benefit both economically.

Throughout the day, other calls flowed with world leaders. President Emmanuel Macron of France was another who showed interest in establishing a closer partnership.

— President Gustavo, congratulations on your victory. France has always considered Brazil a strategic partner in Latin America. I am certain that under your leadership, we will be able to strengthen our ties, especially in areas such as culture, education and, of course, the Amazon, — said the French president, mentioning the environmental issue that has always been a sensitive topic in relations between the two countries.

— I agree, President. The Amazon is a priority for Brazil, and I will ensure that its preservation goes hand in hand with sustainable development for the communities that live there. France's support will be fundamental in this process, — said Gustavo.

The conversation with the French leader went deeper into environmental preservation policies and the multilateral agreements that Brazil intended to follow with Europe to ensure a balance between the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of tropical forests.

During the break between calls, Paola entered Gustavo's office, carrying two cups of coffee. She was dressed simply but elegantly, and brought with her an aura of calm, something Gustavo always appreciated.

"How are the conversations going?" she asked, handing him a cup.

"Intense, but good. It's interesting to see how everyone has high expectations about what Brazil can do, especially in the environmental and economic areas. But so far, everything is going well. I believe we are gaining a good space on the international scene," Gustavo replied, taking a sip of his coffee.

Paola smiled, observing her husband for a moment. "I'm sure everyone is impressed by your firmness and clarity. They know they are dealing with a leader who will not disappoint."

Before he could answer, his assistant entered the office and informed him that the next call would be from President Putin of Russia. Gustavo braced himself, knowing that this would be an important conversation, especially in terms of geopolitics.

"President Andrade, congratulations from Moscow." Russia is interested in strengthening our trade ties and exploring new economic partnerships. I believe we can move forward in areas of mutual interest, such as energy and defense, — said the Russian president, bluntly.

"President, I am open to such partnerships. Brazil plays a strategic role on the world stage, and cooperation with Russia is something that can benefit both sides, especially in trade and energy security. We can discuss more details on how to move forward in this regard soon," Gustavo responded diplomatically.

The conversation was brief but meaningful, laying fertile ground for future negotiations between the two countries. Gustavo knew that maintaining a stance of neutrality and openness would be crucial to navigating the complex scenario of international relations.

Throughout the day, Gustavo also received calls from other world leaders, such as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the President of China, and several South American leaders, including the presidents of Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, all of whom congratulated the new Brazilian president and reinforced Brazil's importance on the Latin American and global stage.

In addition to the calls, social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from international and Brazilian personalities. Neymar, Anitta, Felipe Neto and other public figures, who had already expressed support for Gustavo during the campaign, made posts praising the inauguration and the new president's firm stance.

Paola, who was also active on social media, shared a photo of herself and Gustavo on the day of the inauguration, with the caption: "This is the beginning of a new Brazil. We are ready to make history together!"

The photo quickly went viral, and positive and encouraging comments came from all over the world.

At the end of the day, already exhausted, Gustavo leaned back in his chair and looked out the window of his office in the Palácio da Alvorada. It had been a long but incredibly productive day. He knew the hard work was just beginning, but the conversations he had had with world leaders and the support he had received made him even more motivated to lead Brazil towards a better future.

Paola walked back into the office, this time with a tired smile.

"You deserve a break. How about we take a walk outside? The garden is beautiful this time of day," she suggested.

Gustavo smiled and nodded, standing up.

"I think some fresh air would be great," he said as he walked hand in hand with Paola out of the office, ready to face together the challenges that lay ahead in the coming years.