Tag: lula

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Lula: Biden Vital for U.S. Democracy’s Survival

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends the inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong/IANS)

Lula’s comments come amid expectations that Biden will face former President Donald Trump in a November rematch….reports Asian Lite News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his hope for U.S. President Joe Biden’s re-election, citing Biden’s role in safeguarding democracy globally and in the United States.

“Although I am not a U.S. voter, I think it’s obvious that Biden is a greater guarantee for the survival of democracy in the world and the United States,” Lula told local TV channel RedeTV.

Lula’s comments come amid expectations that Biden will face former President Donald Trump in a November rematch. Lula, known for defeating Jair Bolsonaro, akin to Trump, in Brazil’s presidential race, hailed Biden for his advocacy of workers’ rights, citing their strong rapport.

Both leaders initiated efforts to enhance workers’ rights and promote greener energy, underscoring their collaboration in the Global Biofuel Alliance. However, tensions arose over Gaza, with Lula accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians, a stance rebuked by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Biden previously supported Lula during a crisis in Brazil when Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government institutions, evoking comparisons to the U.S. Capitol invasion under Trump.

Lula frequently draws parallels between Bolsonaro and Trump, labelling Bolsonaro as a “copy” of the former U.S. leader. Biden’s stance as a defender of democracy aligns with Lula’s hopes for global stability and democratic resilience.

Brasilia, Aug. 20, 2020 (Xinhua) — File photo taken on Dec. 5, 2019 shows Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (Front) attending a conference in Bento Goncalves, Brazil. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso/IANS)

Bolsonaro denies coup plot

Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil, led a massive rally in Sao Paulo on Sunday, vehemently denying accusations of involvement in a coup plot to cling to power, CNN reported.

Thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters, adorned in the green and gold of Brazil’s national flag, gathered on Paulista Avenue, a key thoroughfare in the nation’s largest city, to express solidarity amid growing legal challenges.

Last week, the far-right populist used social media platform X to call for the protest rally, framing it as a “defence of the democratic rule of law.” Bolsonaro is currently under investigation by the Brazilian Federal Police regarding an alleged coup attempt aimed at retaining power after losing the 2022 presidential election, as confirmed by his lawyer in early February. Former ministers from Bolsonaro’s government are also under scrutiny, and some aides have been arrested, according to CNN.

Despite the mounting legal pressure, Bolsonaro, speaking on Sunday, maintained that he is a target of persecution, refraining from directly mentioning the investigating institutions. In 2022, Brazil’s highest electoral court barred Bolsonaro from seeking political office until 2030, citing abuses of power and misuse of public media during the election campaign.

Following Bolsonaro’s narrow defeat to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, his supporters rioted and breached government buildings in Brasilia on January 8, 2023. Bolsonaro, however, denies any role in inciting the violent attacks in the capital. During Sunday’s rally, he called for parliamentary amnesty for those imprisoned in Brasilia in connection with the January 8 disturbances.

Bolsonaro was seen waving an Israeli flag during the rally, a move intended as opposition to Lula da Silva.

The former president had previously drawn controversy by comparing Israel’s offensive on Gaza to the Holocaust. The political atmosphere in Brazil remains charged, with Bolsonaro using public appearances to rally his base amid the ongoing investigations and legal challenges, CNN reported.

ALSO READ: Biden, Trump Prevail in Michigan Primaries

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Lula speaks to Raisi over release of captives in Gaza

President Lula asked that everything possible be done to reach a consensus that would create a humanitarian corridor….reports Asian Lite News

President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi called Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the release of captives held in Gaza.

According to an official statement released by Brazil government, Silva noted that there are a group of Brazilians waiting to leave the Gaza Strip near the Egyptian border, and expressed his sympathy for the women and children suffering from the fighting in the area.

The Iranian president called for an immediate end to Israeli bombings and an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

President Lula asked that everything possible be done to reach a consensus that would create a humanitarian corridor and appealed for the release of all hostages, which would be the best signal for an appeal for an end to the bombings in Gaza, according to the release.

“The most important thing is to ensure that women, children and the elderly do not suffer the consequences of those who want war,” Lula said during the conversation.

“I get sad when I see how difficult it is for poor people to build a house, a hospital. And how easily this is destroyed in war.”

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi on Tuesday issued a message for its soldiers ahead of Israel’s announcing that the preparations being made to launch a ground offensive on the Gaza Strip in retaliation to the Hamas attack on its territory.

In a message note shared on X, the IDF called the Hamas attack on Israel a “murderous surprise attack” against Israel and said that they are striking the “enemy” from air, ground and sea.

Addressing the IDF soldiers and commanders, it said on X, “

We destroyed enemy infrastructure, leadership and capabilities and caused significant damage. We will pursue and catch them everywhere and will strike them with force. We are determined and unified in our mission to protect our home and are prepared for any situation at every front. Our uncompromising responsibility is to overwhelm the enemy and restore security everywhere.”

Further highlighting the significance of the moment, the IDF chief of Staff asserted that the IDF would win the war and said that the army is trained for the mission.

“We took a hard hit and we are responsible, but now the initiative is in our hands. Every single one of you has a role in the challenges we face ahead. The war will be difficult and long and the IDF will prevail. The IDF will prevail because of our dedication to the mission, our bravery, and camaraderie. The IDF will prevail because our war is just. The IDF will prevail thanks to the might of the nation we are a part of. We will prevail because of our abilities and because we trained for this mission. We will prevail, and in everything that we do we will act according to the IDF spirit and its values” the IDF Chief of Staff said in his message to troops.

The letter read further, ” We will remember our comrades, soldiers, commanders, security forces; the rapid response teams and the civilians that bravely stormed the enemy, and courageously fought and saved many lives. They fought and paid with their lives, but their blood was not absorbed into the soil in vain; they are our legacy, and we will continue their mission.”

According to the Gaza-based Health ministry, the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza has risen to 2,750 and the number of wounded has risen to 9,700. In a previous statement, the ministry said over 750 children were among the people killed in the Israeli attacks.

Meanwhile, the Death toll in Israel from the surprise Hamas attack is now more than 1,400, according to the IDF. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden Hints at ‘Other Team’ in Gaza Hospital Attack

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Lula Calls For ‘Outrage’ Against Global Inequality

The Brazilian president also expressed concern about global income and wealth disparity, pushing for increased taxes on the wealthy…reports Asian Lite News

Brazil’s left-wing president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, while delivering the first country address at the United Nations General Assembly 2023 called for “outrage” against global inequality amid war, climate change, debt, energy and food crises, poverty and famine, Al Jazeera reported.

“Inequalities need to inspire outrage – outrage over hunger, poverty, war and disrespect for human beings. Moved by the power of outrage, we may act willingly and unwaveringly in fighting inequality and effectively transforming the world around us,” said Lula.

The first day of the high-level general debate is taking place at the 78th United Nations General Assembly. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stresses that BRICS countries are coming together to protect their own interests and assert their independence in the face of the superpowers.

He said that “Brazil is back” adding that his country is embracing multilateralism as it pushes for a fair and sustainable future, Al Jazeera reported.

The Brazilian president also expressed concern about global income and wealth disparity, pushing for increased taxes on the wealthy.

Hailing a new push by countries in the Amazon region to protect the important rainforest, Lula da Silva said, “We want to arrive at COP28 in Dubai with a joint vision that reflects … the priorities for preserving the Amazon.”

Lula, who hosted the Amazon summit in Brazil last month, told the UNGA that his nation is returning to democracy and the international fold following the departure of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, as reported by Al Jazeera.

“If today I returned in the honourable capacity as president of Brazil, it is thanks to the victory won by democracy in my country,” he said, adding, “Democracy ensured that we overcame hate, misinformation and oppression.”

Prior to the Brazilian President, UNGA President Dennis Francis, a diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago had addressed the summit.

He urged world leaders to use the summit’s “unique and truly global platform” to address global issues. He appealed for global unity and “joint action” to improve the world’s situation.

“Such a common, coordinated approach is needed now as much as at any point in our history,” Francis said, adding, “War, climate change, debt, energy and food crises, poverty and famine – these crises are directly impacting the lives and well-being of billions of people around the world.”

The 78th session of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly also saw the address of Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

Guterres has proposed the formation of an international agency to supervise the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and to “provide a source of information and expertise” to countries throughout the world, Al Jazeera reported.

More than 140 world leaders are meeting to discuss the pressing world issues at the 78th session of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City.

US President Joe Biden is the only representative among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council who is attending the UNGA.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend the General Assembly for the first time since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of his nation in February 2022. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Lula calls for dethroning US dollar

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Lula denounces “green neocolonialism” at Amazon Summit

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends the inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong/IANS)

Lula blamed developed countries for limited participation in global financing mechanisms in this regard….reports Asian Lite News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized Wednesday what he called “green neocolonialism” and demanded funding commitments from developed countries for sustainable projects.

“We cannot accept a green neocolonialism that under the pretext of protecting the environment, imposes trade barriers and discriminatory measures and ignores our regulatory frameworks and domestic policies,” Lula said at the closing of Amazon Summit, officially known as the 4th Meeting of Presidents of States Parties to the Amazon Cooperation Treaty, in Belem in northern Brazil.

Countries with tropical forests inherited from the colonial past a “predatory” economic model featuring “irrational exploitation” of natural resources, slavery and systematic exclusion of local populations, Lula said.

However, for high-quality development, he believed what these countries need is long-term, unconditional financing for green infrastructure and industrialization projects.

He blamed developed countries for limited participation in global financing mechanisms in this regard. The two-day summit was attended by representatives from Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Guyana, and Venezuela, among others, to address issues of great interest to the Amazon region.

ALSO READ: Lula lashes out at UNSC for not stopping Ukraine war  

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Lula, Modi hold bilateral talks on sidelines of G7

Other than the Brazilian leader, today, PM Modi also met UK’s counterpart Rishi Sunak…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Sunday on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

On the third day of PM Modi’s Japan visit, he visited the Peace Memorial Museum, where he observed the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. It is pertinent to mention that PM Modi is the first Indian leader to visit Hiroshima, the world’s first atomic-bombed city, since India successfully tested a nuclear bomb in 1974, according to Kyodo News Agency.

PM Modi along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and other leaders paid tribute to the memory of Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan.

Other than the Brazilian leader, today, PM Modi also met UK’s counterpart Rishi Sunak.

Japan is hosting the G7 summit as the current chair of the powerful grouping. PM Modi is in Hiroshima for the G7 summit from May 19 to May 21.

On Saturday, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his wife, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

PM Modi participated in the session on “Working Together to Address Multiple Crises” where he presented suggestions for improving global food security.

Speaking at a session,” PM Modi said, “The priority should be given to the creation of an inclusive food system focused on the world’s most vulnerable people, in particular marginal farmers,” making it clear that India’s focus remains on the developing countries of the so-called Global South when he speaks at key international forums.

PM Modi stressed 10 point call to action at the G7 Summit comprising developing inclusive food systems that protect the most vulnerable, including marginal farmers; adopting Millets: path to nutritional and environmental benefits; stopping food wastage from strengthening food security; depoliticizing global fertilizer supply chains; developing an alternative model to fertilizers; developing resilient healthcare systems; promoting holistic healthcare, pursue traditional systems of medicine; promoting digital health to ensure global universal health coverage; ensuring mobility of healthcare professionals and building development models inspired by needs of developing countries, not driven by consumerism.

The G7 Summit is an international forum held annually for the leaders of the G7 member states of France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada (in order of rotating presidency), and the European Union (EU).

Japan under its G7 Presidency has invited leaders from Australia, Brazil, Comoros, Cook Islands, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam. (ANI)

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Brazil’s Lula heads to China; Ukraine war to top agenda

The 77-year-old had originally planned to travel to China last month but the trip was cancelled as Lula was hospitalised due to pneumonia…reports Asian Lite News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday where he is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and their discussions are expected to focus largely on trade, as well as the war in Ukraine, according to the media.

The 77-year-old had originally planned to travel to China last month but the trip was cancelled as Lula was hospitalised due to pneumonia, reports CNN.

On Monday, his office confirmed that the trip was back on, with Brazil’s goal “to relaunch its relations with the country that has been its main trading partner since 2009”.

The Brazilian delegation arriving in China with Lula includes businessmen, state governors, congressmen and ministers, who seek to sign over 20 bilateral agreements with China on agriculture, livestock, tech, travel and tourism, among others.

Government figures show that China imported the equivalent of over $89.7 billion in Brazilian products last year, and exported almost $60.7 billion to Brazil, setting the trade value between the two countries at $150.4 billion.

According to the Brazilian presidency, trade between the two countries has “increased 21 times since Lula’s first visit to China in 2004”.

Lula previously served two terms as Brazilian President, and has already made two official visits to the Asian giant.

Among the dozens of accords expected to be finalised during the visit is one regarding the joint Brazilian-Chinese construction of CBERS-6 satellites, a model that “has improved technology that allows for efficient monitoring of biomes such as the Amazon Rainforest even on cloudy days”, CNN quoted a handout from the Brazilian government as saying.

While in China, Lula will also attend former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s inauguration in Shanghai as head of BRICS’s New Development Bank, a commercial bloc formed by the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

After his visit to China, Lula is scheduled to go to the United Arab Emirates for a state visit as well.

ALSO READ: Lula calls for national unity to rebuild Brazil

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Lula calls for national unity to rebuild Brazil

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C, front) attends a celebration event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua)

Lula said that to make the wheel of the economy turn again, his government has formulated a realistic and responsible fiscal framework …reports Asian Lite News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for national unity to rebuild the country. He made the appeal on Sunday marking the eve of his 100th day in office while reviewing the main measures his administration has taken since he took office on January 1.

“We live in one country and we need everyone to come together to rebuild it,” Lula wrote in a column headlined “Brazil Is Back” in local newspaper “Correio Braziliense”.

“We inherited so many problems and on so many fronts that the term ‘reconstruction’ was incorporated into the federal government’s slogan, preceded by another key word: ‘unity’.

Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a television debate, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 28, 2022. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso/IANS)

“We don’t have two Brazils, the Brazil of those who voted for me and the Brazil of those who voted for another candidate. We are one nation,” he said.

“In these first 100 days in government, we have worked tirelessly to restore dignity and quality of life to the Brazilian people, especially the 33 million victims of hunger,” Lula said, citing the revival of key social welfare programs, such as a cash transfer scheme and an affordable housing initiative, as the main achievements of his government in the 100 days.

The three-time President also highlighted the return of mass vaccination and of “More Doctors”, a program aiming to facilitate the accessibility of healthcare by hiring up to 15,000 medical professionals to work in rural or remote communities.

Lula said that to make the wheel of the economy turn again, his government has formulated a realistic and responsible fiscal framework that maintains the balance of public accounts and guarantees that the poor are included in the budget.

The government has resumed investing in infrastructure by earmarking 23 billion reals ($4.5 billion) for projects in 2023, he said.

ALSO READ: Ukraine war is West’s fault: Lula

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Lula revives housing programme for low-income families

Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a television debate, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 28, 2022. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso/IANS)

During the ceremony, Bahia state, Lula authorised the resumption of construction work on more than 5,000 houses across the country as part of the programme….reports Asian Lite News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva presided over the handover of 684 residences to low-income households in the northeastern city of Santo Amaro, marking the relaunch of the housing programme ‘My House, My Life.’

First launched in 2009 during his second term as president, the revived programme aims to deliver 2 million homes to low-income households by 2026, offering financing with subsidies of up to 80 per cent to families with a monthly income of 2,640 reais (about 508 U.S. dollars) or less, Xinhua reported.



During the ceremony in Santo Amaro, Bahia state, Lula authorised the resumption of construction work on more than 5,000 houses across the country as part of the programme.

In all, 2,745 homes were delivered in different towns on Tuesday.

Following Brazilian Carnival celebrations next week, the government is expected to resume another programme, ‘Water for All’ to build cisterns in regions with scarce water supplies.

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Lula says insiders enabled Brasilia riots

Lula went on to say that the presidential palace “was full of Bolsonaristas and military officials and we want to try to correct this so we can appoint career civil servants, preferably civilian ones”…reports Asian Lite News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he’s convinced that supporters of his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro inside the presidential palace facilitated the entry of rioters into key state buildings in capital Brasilia on January 8.

“I am convinced that the door to the Planalto palace was opened so these people could get in because I didn’t see the front door had been broken down. And that means that somebody facilitated their entry here,” the BBC quoted the President as saying to reporters here on Thursday.

“Many people in the military police were complicit… There were many people in the armed forces here inside (the palace) who were complicit.”

He went on to say that the presidential palace “was full of Bolsonaristas and military officials and we want to try to correct this so we can appoint career civil servants, preferably civilian ones”.

“Nobody who is suspected of being a hardcore Bolsonarista can be allowed to remain in the palace. How can I have someone at the door of my office who might shoot me?”

Meanwhile, despite the mass arrest of approximately 1,500 people, authorities have now expressed concern that more rallies could be organised by the former President’s hard-line allies, reports the BBC.

According to a memo from federal prosecutors seen by the BBC, pro-Bolsonaro groups have been calling for “mega” demonstrations to take place across Brazilian state capitals.

The government is also asking that social media platforms take steps to suspend accounts that have been involved in planning criminal behaviour.

Wearing shirts in the colours of Brazil’s flag — yellow and green — the protesters vandalised the buildings in capital Brasilia that house the South American nation’s key democratic institutions.

The police had to resort to firing tear gas when the demonstrators wrapped in the national flag surrounded the presidential palace.

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