Rula "Brazil is divided but better off than the US situation"

Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is speaking at a summit meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Brazilian President Luis In?cio Lula da Silva said that although his country is currently divided, it is better than the political division in the United States, according to a report by the US CNN on the 10th (local time).

President Lula made these remarks in an interview with CNN on the same day in Washington DC, before holding a summit with US President Joe Biden, regarding the nature of division in both countries. President Lula explained, "There are places that are similarly or even more severely divided than Brazil," adding, "(In the US) the Democratic and Republican parties are very deeply divided." He continued, "Whether we like it or not, this is what is happening now," and also said, "There is no culture of hatred in Brazil."

Both countries have experienced riots caused by far-right forces refusing to accept the election results. On the 8th of last month in Brazil, supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro caused disturbances at the presidential palace and the National Congress, while in the US, in January 2021, supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building and incited a riot.

Regarding the US Capitol riot, President Lula said, "It was unimaginable that someone would storm the Capitol in a country that was a symbol of democracy." He expressed confidence that "democracy will prevail in Brazil," but warned, "There are organized far-right groups worldwide, and if we are not careful, behaviors similar to the Nazis will appear."

About former President Bolsonaro, he described him as a "faithful imitator of Trump," evaluating that "both Trump and Bolsonaro dislike labor unions and do not favor workers, women, or Black people." Regarding the possibility of extraditing former President Bolsonaro, who is currently staying in Florida, USA, he said, "It depends on the court's decision," but added, "(Former President Bolsonaro) will have to return to Brazil someday and face all lawsuits."

On refusing Western requests to supply weapons to Ukraine, he explained, "The invasion of Ukraine was Russia's mistake, and Ukraine has the right to defend itself," but said he rejected arms support because he wants to end the war.

In response to questions about serving as a national leader at an advanced age, he said aging is something that only happens to those who have no reason to fight, stating, "I am 77 years old but have the energy and strength of a 30-year-old. My refuge is the Brazilian people, and I cannot sleep because I must make their lives better."