Macron hosts Brazil's Lula at French presidential palace in apparent dig at Bolsonaro

French President Emmanuel Macron reacts as he welcomes a guest at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron hosted former Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for a meeting at the Elysee palace on Wednesday, a rare honour signalling support for a rival of Brazil's far-right incumbent with whom the French leader has traded barbs.

Lula, a former union leader who led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, is expected to challenge far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, though neither has officially declared their candidacy.