Lula calls for 'civilized' negotiations with Trump and criticizes the Bolsonaro clan's betrayal: 'lack of shame, character, and patriotism'

247 - During a speech this Monday (28), at the inauguration of the GNA II Thermoelectric Power Plant, in Porto do Açu, in São João da Barra (RJ), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) harshly criticized Jair Bolsonaro (PL) and his son, the licensed federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), for acting to harm the Brazilian economy with the support of the US government. According to Lula, the parliamentarian's action in the United States, in requesting sanctions against Brazil to try to free Bolsonaro from convictions, constitutes a "betrayal of the Brazilian people".

“What did the son of 'that guy' do? The son of 'that guy,' who is a federal congressman, shamelessly left the Chamber of Deputies and went to the United States to ask Trump to impose a tax on Brazil so that his father wouldn't go to jail. Do you think that's right?” the president questioned. Lula compared the attitude to historical episodes of betrayal, mentioning Silvério dos Reis, who betrayed Tiradentes during the colonial period.

Lula highlighted that Brazil has maintained a solid diplomatic relationship with the United States for over two centuries and stated that he hopes US President Donald Trump will act with maturity in the face of pressure from Bolsonaro's supporters. "I hope that the President of the United States reflects on the importance of Brazil and decides to do what we do in the civilized world: there are disagreements? Yes. Sit down at a table, put the disagreements aside, and let's try to resolve them," he declared.

The president vehemently criticized any unilateral measure of economic retaliation, such as the possible imposition of a 50% tariff on Brazilian products. For Lula, the attempt at foreign interference sponsored by Bolsonaro's allies reveals a profound disrespect for national sovereignty. "It's the son of 'that guy' and 'that guy' himself who are asking to do it. That is, the guy who campaigned wrapped in the national flag, 'Brazil above all,' and now 'Brazil above all, but first the United States.' It's a lack of shame, of character, of patriotism," he exclaimed.

Lula also used the speech to reinforce that his government is committed to dialogue and expanding trade partnerships around the world. He stated that, since the beginning of his term, Brazil has managed to open 398 new markets for national products, expanding the international presence of the Brazilian economy.

“I have said the following: calmly, Brazil wants to negotiate. We have no disputes with anyone. We want to negotiate, we want to do business,” he stated, in contrast to the belligerent and personalistic stance of the far-right.