Tensions over Brazil’s President Lula da Silva’s visit to Portugal peaked in a speech this Tuesday. Parliamenton the anniversary, carnation revolution. The deputies of the far-right party Chega, who entered the hall minutes after the Brazilian president entered, shortly after they started their speeches. ukraine flags and banners accusing him degenerate and they took the podium to protest their presence at such an important date for the Portuguese.
Speaker of Parliament, socialist Augusto Santos Silvaintervened soon after to denounce the ultra MPs. “Enough of this humiliation, enough of insulting institutions. Stop embarrassing Portugal“, said Santos Silva, visibly annoyed. It is not the first time that the speaker of the parliament, with 12 deputies, has faced the far right, the third political force in parliament.”I am sorry On behalf of the Portuguese Parliament, I thank you for your courage and education,” he said.
During his speech, the Brazilian president avoided and limited himself to direct confrontation with ultra lawmakers. criticizing authoritarian attitudesHe closed his speech by saying: “Long live freedom, long live democracy, not fascism”. Leaving the hall, Lula da Silva made sure she was used to such protests but threw a dart to the far right: “When they have nothing to do, they do this. silly scenes. I don’t know how they’re going to take care of their kids and families when they get home.”
protest to visit
Visit of the President of Brazil as part of the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution dominated the controversy since it was announced. This much chega like a party liberal enterprise –Fourth power in Parliament– They showed their opposition to Lula da Silva’s solemn presence in the Assembly, something that compelled him to exclude his speech from commemorations for the end of the dictatorship. Later. Controversial words of Lula da Silva shortly before his visit criticized the arms supply. Ukraine by the European Union and the USAThey added fuel to the fire.
Despite the criticism, the Brazilian leader takes a firm stand. Condemnation of the Russian invasion. “The Carnation Revolution has shown us that military politics against a people fighting for freedom cannot win. No solution can be permanent unless it is based on dialogue and political negotiation. territorial integrity in Ukraine“, reassured Lula da Silva, who underlined the ties that unite Brazil and Portugal on the defensive. democratic values.
As tensions rose inside the hall, hundreds of supporters and opposers of Lula da Silva were divided outside. separate manifestations by security forces. Despite initial concerns, the two groups did not meet and there was no violent conflict. However, tensions between those who defend the president and those who are against it are far from subsiding in Portugal. 300,000 BraziliansThe largest foreign community in the country.
state visit
Beyond the debates and protests, the Brazilian leader’s visit to Portugal served to restart the war. bilateral relations between the two countries and to bring the Latin American giant closer European Union. One of the main topics discussed these days was the trade agreement with Mercosur, which has been paralyzed for months. Lula da Silva’s aim is to remove the obstacle in front of this agreement as soon as possible with the support of Turkey. Portugal And Spainwhere he went this Tuesday to meet the president, Pedro Sanchezand with the king Felipe VI.
With this visit, Lula da Silva continues his strategy of restoring Brazil. international stage After four years of isolation under the Jair Bolsonaro Government. The Brazilian leader will try to find a balance between the US and the EU on the one hand and China on the other, to strengthen his role. mediator in resolving conflicts and strengthening trade and diplomatic relations between the main economic powers. One of its main goals is to enable Brazil to join the European Union as a permanent member. United Nations Security Council. Something that already has the support of Portugal.