Brazil's Lula Addresses Foreign Interference and Global Conflicts at UN General Assembly

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on September 22, 2026, warned against foreign interference in the internal affairs of nations during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He urged world leaders to take stronger action in response to escalating global conflicts. Lula's remarks came just before U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the assembly. He criticized external interference in Brazil's affairs, particularly with the upcoming elections in Brazil. "We will not allow the enemies of democracy, whether domestic or foreign, to undermine popular will. Brazilian democracy belongs to Brazilians. Brazil will continue to be a sovereign country," Lula stated. Lula's speech follows a period of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, particularly after the U.S. imposed tariffs citing a trial against former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest. Lula's main political rival in the upcoming elections is Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of the former president. The Trump administration has supported Bolsonaro and recently designated two Brazilian criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations, a move Lula rejected, suggesting it could be an attempt to influence the elections. Lula emphasized the integrity of Brazil's electoral system and warned against disinformation campaigns during the campaign period. He also addressed the Brazilian economy, stating that despite tariffs, the country is on track to set a new export record this year. Lula criticized the U.N. for its inaction regarding conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, calling for reform of the U.N. Security Council. He stated that the U.N. is failing in its mission to prevent war and emphasized the need for dialogue and mediation to avoid global fragmentation. "Concessions to the law of the stronger have surpassed all limits. This is not idealism, but pure realism," he remarked.