Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks at a press conference during the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2025. Photo: Pablo Porciuncula/AFP.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated this Monday that as a sovereign state, his country does not accept interference or from others—referring to the United States—and that the defense of democracy is the sole responsibility of its citizens.
During a press conference on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit, Lula referred to recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who through his Truth social media platform wrote that Brazil is carrying out a judicial persecution against the former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who faces criminal proceedings for leading an attempted coup to prevent Lula from being sworn in as president.
Presidente Lula faz declaração à imprensa https://t.co/VvUfl1qvW3
— Lula (@LulaOficial) July 7, 2025
“The defense of democracy in Brazil is an issue that concerns Brazilians,” said Lula. “We are a sovereign country. We do not accept interference or tutelage from anyone.”
He added that the South American nation has solid institutions. He made it clear that “no one is above the law, especially those who violate freedom and the rule of law.”
His reaction received support from members of his government, such as the Minister of Institutional Relations Gleisi Hoffmann, who said that Trump “is very mistaken if he thinks he can interfere in the Brazilian judicial process” and denied that the former president is being “persecuted.”
17th BRICS Summit Calls to Strengthen Global South and Cooperation
Hoffmann added that Trump should address his country’s problems and respect Brazil’s sovereignty and judiciary.
The Brazilian president also spoke out sharply in addressing the threats made by the US president against the BRICS countries, threatening to impose 10% additional tariffs. He has previously threatened them with severe economic retaliation if they abandon the dollar.
In this regard, Lula stated that BRICS countries are sovereign and do not want an emperor. He considered Trump’s stance to be highly irresponsible.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SL
