Lula cites Getúlio Vargas and condemns Lava Jato in the resumption of the Abreu e Lima refinery.
Upon resuming investments in the refinery in Pernambuco, the president also stated that those responsible for the destruction of the national economy are 'rotting'.
247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, alongside a number of authorities, announced this Thursday (18) a milestone in the resumption of the country's energy investments. The signing event for the resumption of investments in the Abreu e Lima refinery, in Ipojuca (PE), was full of strong statements and symbolism, standing out not only for the resumption of the refinery, but also for historical references and criticisms of external influences on national policies.
In his speech, Lula drew a direct connection between the challenges he faced and those experienced by Getúlio Vargas, mentioning the pressures and interference from the United States, particularly in the context of Operation Lava Jato. "History will still be told truthfully," Lula said, criticizing the elite for submitting to foreign interests and for their lack of commitment to the country.
'Everything that happened in this country was a conspiracy between judges and prosecutors, subordinate to the US Department of Justice, who did not accept that Brazil had a company like Petrobras,' he said.
He also condemned the process of destroying national achievements, stating that those responsible are "rotting" knowing they lied. 'Hell awaits them,' he declared.
Citing Vargas' suicide, Lula said that 'they imagined they could have done the same to me'. Recalling his unjust imprisonment, he emphasized his determination and integrity: 'I could have shot myself in the head, but I learned from my mother that dignity is not bought, but acquired from birth'.
The president also stated that the Abreu e Lima refinery will generate $100 billion per year.
Earlier in the event, Petrobras President Jean Paul Prates presented ambitious plans for the Abreu e Lima refinery, highlighting the increase in its production capacity and the transition to more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable diesel.
"We are increasing train 1 to 120 barrels/day and train 2 to 260 barrels/day of capacity," he informed. Prates also reinforced Lula's request for self-sufficiency in diesel.
The president of the Unified Federation of Oil Workers (FUP), Deyvid Bacelar, expressed a sense of victory and resilience, and recalled the challenges faced by the Brazilian oil industry, particularly during the years marked by Operation Car Wash.
"The halting of the works was a crime against Brazil," stated Bacelar, emphasizing the crucial role of the workers, whose tireless struggle during the last years of Jair Bolsonaro's anti-democratic government contributed to Lula's return to the presidency.
Pernambuco Governor Raquel Lyra highlighted the importance of investments to boost the state's economy, emphasizing the intention to make Pernambuco a regional leader.
'We are seeking large-scale investments to reposition our state in the national economy,' said Lyra, demonstrating the state government's commitment to strengthening industry and energy.