Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned on 22 September that neither domestic nor foreign actors should undermine Brazil’s October 4 election. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he said the vote belongs to Brazilians. Lula is seeking a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term.
His comments came amid strained relations with the United States. Lula did not name US President Donald Trump, but criticised what he described as renewed hegemonic ambitions and foreign interference in Latin American elections. He also objected to attempts to divide the world into spheres of influence.
The dispute has unfolded alongside US tariffs on Brazilian goods and continuing trade talks. Lula has accused Washington of using economic pressure to influence Brazil’s election. Brazil had not yet retaliated while negotiations continued, though Lula said his government could invoke its reciprocity law if the talks failed.
Criticism of the United Nations
Lula also argued that the United Nations was failing to prevent wars and that its credibility was at a low point. He blamed the Security Council’s veto powers for part of the organisation’s paralysis and called for its leaders to meet as armed conflicts increase.
On security in Latin America, Lula said Brazil would retain responsibility for protecting its borders and tackling organised crime. He called for international cooperation to disrupt weapons and illicit money flows, rejecting the need for aircraft carriers monitoring the region’s waters.
The speech came as Trump was expected to address the UN General Assembly the same day. White House excerpts of Trump’s remarks said the United States would use its military strength when necessary to protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Source: Al Jazeera, 22 September 2026; report credits Al Jazeera staff, AFP and Reuters.
