Rising tensions surrounded Brazil’s president Lula da Silva during his visit to Portugal, a trip tied to the 49th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. Far-right deputies from the Chega party entered the parliamentary chamber soon after Lula arrived, unfurling Ukraine flags and banners that accused him of degenerate politics. They seized the podium to voice their protest on a moment many saw as symbolic for Portugal’s own democratic milestones.
Parliament Speaker Augusto Santos Silva, aligned with the Socialist Party, intervened quickly to rebuke the ultra MPs. “Enough of this humiliation, enough of insulting institutions. Stop embarrassing Portugal,” he declared, evidently frustrated. He has faced similar challenges before, with Chega’s presence as the third-largest political force in the assembly. Responding to the moment, he added, “On behalf of the Portuguese Parliament, I thank you for your courage and education.”
During his remarks, Lula kept a cautious stance, avoiding direct confrontation with the hardest-line lawmakers and instead criticizing authoritarian attitudes. He closed with a call for freedom and democracy, saying, “Long live freedom, long live democracy, not fascism.” As he left the chamber, he referenced the protests and quipped that those with little to do resort to petty theatrics, remarking on the challenge of caring for families back home.
protest during the visit
The Brazilian president’s visit, framed by commemorations of the Carnation Revolution, quickly became a flashpoint. Some viewed Chega’s public stance as an aggressive display against Lula’s solemn presence in the Assembly, prompting debates about the boundaries between protest and ritual in a symbolic national event. Reports suggested Lula’s speech was shaped by the controversy, even as the ceremony sought to honor Portugal’s transition away from dictatorship. Controversial comments Lula had made in the days leading up to the visit, including remarks about arms supplies to Ukraine, further fueled tensions among observers in Portugal and across the Atlantic.
Nevertheless, Lula stood firm. He condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and underscored the importance of dialogue and negotiated settlements for territorial integrity in Ukraine. He emphasized the close ties between Brazil and Portugal based on shared democratic values and a belief in multilateral cooperation.
Inside and outside the hall, supporters and opponents of Lula formed parallel demonstrations, with security forces managing the crowds. While clashes did not erupt, the atmosphere reflected ongoing debate over Brazil’s direction and its international posture. The presence of a sizable Brazilian community in Portugal underscored the event’s bilateral stakes and the broader Portuguese-American Atlantic ties.
state visit and diplomacy
Beyond the day’s heated exchanges, Lula da Silva’s visit aimed to reboot bilateral relations and position Brazil more prominently within Europe’s orbit. A central topic was Mercosur trade reform, which had stalled for months, with Lula signaling a willingness to navigate around obstacles with regional and international partners. In addition to Portugal, the president met with Spain’s leadership in Madrid, where he discussed regional cooperation and the broader goal of strengthening Western alliances amid shifting global dynamics.
As Brazil charts a course to rejoin the global stage after isolation, Lula seeks a balancing act between the United States and the European Union on one side and China on the other. The aim is to reposition Brazil as a mediator in international disputes and to bolster trade and diplomatic ties among major powers. One long-term objective appears to be Brazilian entry into the European Union as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, an idea openly supported by Portugal as part of a broader vision for enhanced regional influence.