‘He who owes nothing, fears nothing’ - Lula slams Flavio Bolsonaro's exit to US
Key Takeaways
- The Brazilian president describes his rival's departure for the US after losing the election as shameful.
- Bolsonaro faces legal scrutiny, including an investigation involving alleged money laundering.
- Lula celebrates his 81st birthday, thanks voters for his re-election and criticises US support for Bolsonaro.
The Brazilian president accuses his defeated election rival of leaving the country amid judicial investigations, questioning his decision to travel to the United States.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticised his defeated election rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, for leaving the country following Sunday's presidential run-off, describing his departure for the United States as "shameful".
Speaking during celebrations marking his 81st birthday at Alvorada, Lula questioned why Bolsonaro had travelled abroad while facing judicial investigations.
"This act of leaving Brazil is, quite simply, shameful. I handed in my passport when I was asked to. He [Flavio Bolsonaro] should have handed in his, since the Federal Police suspected he was going to leave Brazil and, moreover, there is an open investigation against him," the president charged.
The remarks came two days after Lula secured re-election against the Liberal Party candidate.
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Images released on Lula's YouTube channel on Tuesday showed him celebrating with his wife, Janja Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and dozens of supporters.
Lula also criticised Bolsonaro's relationship with the United States, whose government had backed his rival during the presidential campaign.
"Unfortunately, the Bolsonaro family is like that. Brazil is their second homeland; their true homeland is to be a bootlicker of the US, as they are wont to do," he asserted.
Drawing comparisons with his own political career, Lula recalled remaining in Brazil despite losing previous presidential elections.
He cited his defeat to Fernando Collor in 1989 and two subsequent losses to Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
"Here I am, being re-elected for a new term thanks to you. That is why I want to tell you: he who owes nothing, fears nothing. He who owes nothing, fears nothing. If a citizen leaves his country in secret, it is because he owes something," he maintained.
Bolsonaro's departure came after his election defeat and amid legal proceedings involving allegations that include money laundering.
Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered Bolsonaro to surrender his passports and imposed restrictions on his ability to leave Brazil.
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During the birthday gathering, Lula also thanked Brazilians for supporting his re-election, while accusing digital platforms, the US government and parts of the financial sector of opposing his continued presidency.
"I feel a deep gratitude towards the Brazilian people, for the lesson that this people gave to the powerful who did not want us to continue governing this country," he said.
The president also joked about his age and how long he intended to live.
"I want to tell you to prepare physically, because I am going to live to 120!" he added.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
