Lula warns Trump against interfering in Brazil election, says US president 'talks a lot and listens little'
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday warned US President Donald Trump against interfering in Brazil's upcoming elections, while accusing him of showing disrespect towards the South American country.
Speaking at a press conference in Geneva after attending the G7 summit as a guest country, Lula responded to Trump's recent comments concerning Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula said Trump was free to support the Bolsonaro family but should refrain from attempting to influence Brazil's democratic process.
"As for me, he can keep sympathising with Bolsonaro, with the father, the son, or the grandson. There is no problem at all. That is his business. But do not interfere in Brazil's elections," Lula said.
The remarks come amid scrutiny over Eduardo Bolsonaro's contacts with US officials. According to Brazil's Supreme Court, the congressman sought support from the US government to influence legal proceedings involving his father and to encourage sanctions and international pressure against Brazil and members of its judiciary.
"If there is anyone who needs to learn from civilised elections in Brazil, it is my friend Trump," Lula said. "I only hope he does not violate the code of ethics among nations that want their sovereignty to be respected," he added.
Lula said he briefly met Trump during the G7 gathering and stressed that relations between the two countries should be based on mutual respect and respect for national sovereignty.
"The only thing I want is the same respect for Brazil that I have for the United States," he said. The Brazilian president also revealed that he handed Trump a document outlining alleged links between organised crime in Brazil and the United States, arguing that both countries could cooperate more closely to combat criminal networks.
"I gave him everything in writing because I do not want to limit myself to talking; President Trump talks a lot and listens little," Lula said.
Brazil is preparing for a presidential runoff election after no candidate secured an outright majority in the first round held on May 31. Far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who is backed by Lula's political movement.
Under Brazil's constitution, Lula is barred from seeking re-election and is due to leave office when the next president is inaugurated on August 7.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
