The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, stated this Friday that the best thing for democracy is a victory for Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential elections next Tuesday in the United States.
“I think that if Kamala wins the elections it is much safer to strengthen democracy in the United States,” said the Brazilian progressive leader in a message of support for the Democratic candidate just four days before the elections.
Lula made the comment in an interview he gave to French television TF1, some of whose sections were reproduced by the head of state himself on his social networks.
The Brazilian president referred to the elections of Brazil’s second largest trading partner at a time when he expressed his love for democracy, which he considered the best system of government already built in the world.
“Only in a democracy can a mechanical turner become president of the Republic three times. It allows the opponents, the antagonists, a civilized dispute in the discussion of ideas, without violence,” he stated.
Lula recalled what happened when the current Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, incited his followers to reject the result of the 2020 elections, in which he was defeated by Joe Biden.
“We already saw what President Trump was at the end of his term… that attack on the Capitol. Something that no one thought could happen in the United States because they presented themselves to the world as the model of democracy. That model fell apart” , he stated.
According to the Brazilian president, although he does not like to express his preference in elections in other countries, he cannot stop supporting Harris, as the candidate most identified with democracy.
According to Lula, without a defense of democracy, the world faces Nazism and fascism functioning again, but with another face, as well as an avalanche of lies and hatred distilled every day, not only in the United States but also in Europe and in Latin America.
His statements were interpreted as an allusion to his predecessor, the far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, who was politically disqualified for questioning democracy in Brazil and who considered Trump, one of his main global allies, as the model to follow.
Brasilia / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Ana Silveira, Political Analyst**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Silveira. Recently, Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed his support for Kamala Harris, stating that her victory would be beneficial for democracy in the United States. What are your thoughts on this statement?
**Dr. Silveira**: Thank you for having me. Lula’s endorsement reflects not only his concerns about the political climate in the U.S. but also a broader desire for a stable and progressive leadership in international politics. He believes that Harris, representing the Democratic Party, would uphold democratic values more effectively than her opponents.
**Interviewer**: What specific aspects of Harris’s potential presidency does Lula find reassuring for democracy?
**Dr. Silveira**: Lula likely sees Harris as someone who champions social justice, equity, and international cooperation—values that resonate with many progressive leaders globally. Moreover, her administration could foster stronger ties between Brazil and the U.S., particularly regarding issues such as climate change and food security, which Lula emphasized in his interview.
**Interviewer**: In the context of the upcoming elections, how important do you think foreign leaders’ opinions are?
**Dr. Silveira**: Foreign leaders’ opinions can influence perceptions and political dynamics, especially in a globalized world. Lula’s statement might encourage other leaders and voters to reflect on the significance of leadership styles and their implications for democracy and international relationships.
**Interviewer**: Lula also mentioned the urgent need for a global coalition against hunger. How does this connect with the broader message he is conveying by supporting Harris?
**Dr. Silveira**: It’s a crucial point. By advocating for a collaborative approach to combat hunger, Lula is highlighting an interconnected global challenge that requires strong leadership and active participation from major powers like the U.S. A Harris victory could potentially lead to more significant U.S. involvement in international humanitarian efforts, aligning with Lula’s vision for a fairer world.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Silveira, for sharing your insights on this topic.
**Dr. Silveira**: My pleasure. It’s an important moment for both U.S. and global politics, and I look forward to seeing how the elections unfold.
