Lula warns against election interference in UN sovereignty address
Brazil’s president criticised foreign influence, US tariffs and the UN Security Council while calling for cooperation against organised crime.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has warned domestic and foreign actors against interfering in the country’s 4 October election, using his address to the United Nations General Assembly to defend Brazil’s sovereignty amid tensions with the United States.
“Brazilian democracy belongs to Brazilians,” Lula said, adding that the country would remain sovereign. He said Latin America was facing renewed “hegemonic ambitions” and foreign interference in elections, while arguing that Brazil did not belong in anyone’s “backyard”.
Lula did not name US President Donald Trump, but his remarks followed accusations that the Trump administration was seeking to influence Brazil’s election through economic pressure. The United States imposed two rounds of tariffs on Brazilian goods in July. Brazil has not retaliated while trade negotiations continue.
Lula is seeking a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, described as his main rival, is an ally of Trump. The source package does not establish that foreign actors have directly interfered in the election or that Lula spoke with Trump about the vote.
The president also delivered a broader critique of the international system, saying the United Nations was failing to prevent war and that its credibility had fallen. He blamed much of the paralysis on the UN Security Council’s veto-wielding powers and called for its leaders to meet as armed conflicts increase.
On organised crime, Lula said Brazil would not outsource responsibility for defending its borders. He called for international cooperation to disrupt the flow of weapons and illicit money that fuels criminal activity.
