South America · updated 1h ago · 2 min read
Lula Warns at UN Assembly That Brazil Will Not Allow Foreign Interference in October 4 Vote
Lula warned at the UN against foreign interference in Brazil's October 4 election Brazil will not allow domestic or foreign actors to undermine the will of voters
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Lula’s UN election warning
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to warn that Brazil would not allow either domestic or foreign actors to undermine the October 4 vote, which will see him seek a fourth non-consecutive term. Lula told the General Assembly, "Brazilian democracy belongs to Brazilians," and he added, "Brazil will remain a sovereign country."
“"Brazilian democracy belongs to Brazilians," Lula said towards the end of his speech.”
Lula framed the warning as a response to what he described as a resurgence of "hegemonic ambitions" and foreign interference in elections, and he said Brazil would not allow attempts to divide the world into spheres of influence. Lula also warned that the UN was facing its most critical moment since he first addressed the General Assembly in 2003, saying the UN was failing to prevent war and that its credibility had "never been so low."
Tariffs, rivals, and disinformation
Lula warned that "We will not allow the enemies of democracy, whether domestic or foreign, to undermine the popular will," while he cast Brazil’s election as a choice between "democracy and denialism." Lula’s remarks appeared aimed at both Washington and his political rivals, and Reuters said the comments referenced right-wing presidential challenger Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest after being convicted of attempting to overturn the 2022 election result.
Lula said Brazil’s electoral system was "modern and robust" and warned against disinformation campaigns seeking to distort public debate during the campaign. Lula also rejected any outside role in combating organized crime, saying, "We do not need aircraft carriers patrolling our waters," and he argued that Brazil needed cooperation to stem the flow of weapons and money that fuel crime.
What’s at stake next
Lula warned that "Democracy is once again threatened by the growing foreign interference in electoral processes," and he said Brazilians would have to choose "between democracy and denialism" as the October 4 vote approaches.
Lula linked his election warning to a broader critique of global governance, saying the UN was facing its most critical moment and describing war as the "total collapse of politics."
Lula also said Brazil would not outsource the responsibility of defending its borders and ensuring the population the right to live without fear, and he argued, "We do not need aircraft carriers patrolling our waters. We need cooperation to block the flow of weapons and money that fuels crime."
Lula’s speech arrived as tensions with the United States remained active, with Reuters noting that Washington imposed two new rounds of tariffs on Brazilian goods in July and that Lula said last week he intended to directly tell Donald Trump not to interfere in the vote.