During a Workers’ Party meeting, he criticized right-wing politicians who support U.S. tariffs.

On Sunday, Brazilian President Lula da Silva participated in the 17th National Meeting of the Workers’ Party (PT) in Brasilia, where he criticized far-right politicians who supported the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

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“We are witnessing a political aberration: a guy who used to campaign wrapped in the Brazilian flag is now wrapped in the U.S. flag and calling for tariffs against Brazil,” Lula said, referring to Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a Sao Paulo congressman for the Liberal Party.

Lula’s remarks come as the United States enacts 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports. The Lula administration has chosen to avoid direct confrontation with Washington, instead focusing on boosting trade with China and India.

Lula stated that Brazil will continue its efforts to negotiate the reversal of the 50% tariff hike on Brazilian exports. However, he emphasized that such negotiations would be conducted “with pride and sovereignty,” allowing the Brazilian people to reclaim their national symbols.

“Brazil no longer depends so heavily on the U.S. We have strong relationships with other countries. I will not forget our ties with the U.S., which span more than 200 years, but I also won’t forget that they orchestrated the 1964 coup,” the Workers’ Party leader said, adding that the BRICS countries must create their own currency.

“I will not back down from discussing the need for an alternative currency for trade with other nations. We don’t want to fight, but we’re not afraid,” Lula insisted.

“The U.S. is very powerful. It is the most warlike country in the world, the most technologically advanced, and has the largest economy. But we want to be respected. We have economic and strategic interests. We want to grow. And we are not a small republic,” Lula said, defending Brazil’s capacity to circumvent U.S. restrictions thanks to its size and natural wealth.

Lula also made a significant announcement to his party and supporters: he will run for reelection if he feels healthy. “I need to be in full health to run and avoid what happened to Biden. You can believe me when I say I’m 80 years old but have the energy of someone who’s 30. If I run, I’ll run to win,” he said, calling on the Workers’ Party for strategic vision and unity.

During the Brasilia gathering, the Workers’ Party approved the theses that will guide its work in the coming years. These include defending the veto of a bill that modifies environmental licensing regulations, condemning the Israeli genocide in Palestine, advocating for an end to the six-day workweek, confronting far-right policies, pushing for higher taxes on the wealthy, and exempting taxes for those earning less than US$900 per month.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Brasil de Fato – Carta Capital

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