The dictator of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, heightened tensions with the United States by accusing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of trying to electorally favor the right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro. During the national convention of the Labor Democratic Party, the socialist leader challenged the official of Donald Trump to travel to the country and “set up a committee” for his main opponent in the October elections.
The verbal offensive allows Lula to transform the deterioration of the bilateral relationship into a campaign tool. Under the argument of defending sovereignty, the president tries to establish that any international support for Bolsonarism constitutes interference in the Brazilian electoral process.
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has very good relations with the White House due to his status as a leader of the international right.
However, the president did not present any evidence of a Washington operation aimed at manipulating the vote. His accusation was mainly based on the public ties between the Republican government and the Brazilian opposition, as well as the criticisms made by Rubio against the Workers' Party administration.
The conflict deepened after the United States announced additional tariffs of 25% on a series of Brazilian exports. Rubio stated that Lula's government had not negotiated “in good faith” and blamed the president for the failure of the trade talks.
Lula would have sought to sabotage the trade relationship between the countries
Flávio Bolsonaro, for his part, held meetings with U.S. authorities and solidified his political ties with the Trump administration. The senator was even received by Rubio during a visit to the United States, although this public approach does not in itself demonstrate the existence of electoral intervention.
Lula's rhetoric thus serves as a preventive mechanism against a potential defeat. By presenting the United States from now on as an interested actor in the outcome, the regime builds a preemptive explanation for any setbacks in the polls or a potential electoral defeat.
The US confirmed a 25% tariff on Brazil and blamed Lula for the lack of agreement
In parallel, Lula authorized the use of the Armed Forces during the elections through a decree. The military will be able to "provide security," logistical support, and assistance in the transportation of ballots when requested by the Superior Electoral Court.
With the support of the PDT, Lula seeks to turn the confrontation with the White House into one of the main axes of his campaign. The regime attempts to shift the debate away from the abysmal internal management and place a false external enemy at the center.
