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Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told a gathering of party supporters that they would not let the country's opposition mount a coup against President Dilma Rousseff.
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“We will not permit a coup against Dilma!” exclaimed Lula to applause from the assembled trade union leaders who back his Workers Party.
Lula has recently been in the media spotlight after accepting the post of Cabinet chief in Rousseff's government. That appointment was blocked by Brazilian courts over allegations that it was a ruse to prevent the former president from being arrested.
In his speech, Lula revealed that President Rousseff had in fact asked him to join her Cabinet in August but he declined.
Lula said he again declined when asked recently, precisely because he was concerned that it would appear as if he were trying to avoid arrest. However, President Rousseff insisted and he acquiesced.
“I accepted because I am confident I can help Dilma,” stated Lula, who added that his years in politics have turned him into a skilled communicator and bridge-builder.
The former president detailed the recent political history of Brazil, which saw the former metalworker elected president in 2002 after several failed attempts running for the presidency. Lula said the opposition too must be patient if they wish to win the presidency and not stage coups.
The former president insisted that the opposition is seeking to oust Rousseff undemocratically after having lost the most recent election. Impeachment proceedings against the president are now being examined by the country's Congress.
Rousseff is accused of manipulating the government's accounts to boost public spending and hide the magnitude of the recession.
“There is nothing to justify impeachment,” said Lula, echoing comments made by Rousseff.
Lula ended his intervention by affirming that he will be by President Rousseff's side even if the appointment as minister does not come to pass.
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