Lula Interviewed by Leading French Newspaper, Calls Bolsonaro Government Destructive
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave his first exclusive interview to a foreign newspaper and was published today in the French newspaper “Le Monde”.
He commented on the recent episodes involving President Jair Bolsonaro and French President Emmanuel Macron and called the Brazilian government “destructive”.
“It is a government of destruction, without any vision of the future, without a program, and which is not qualified for power. That’s why Bolsonaro says so much nonsense, insults Macron’s wife and Michelle Bachelet and fights with Maduro. It’s total madness. And on top of that, he totally submits to Trump. I’ve never seen that before,” he told correspondent Bruno Meyerfeld.
According to Lula, Bolsonaro’s victory is the result of a political rejection and that reactionary speeches have always attracted voters. “Bolsonaro is, first and foremost, the result of a rejection of politics. At these moments in history, when politics is so hated, people cling to the first monster they encounter. It is unfortunate, but it has happened”.
However, Lula is against Macron’s idea of internationalizing the Amazon. “The Amazon is the property of Brazil. It is part of Brazilian patrimony. It is Brazil that has to take care of it. This does not mean that it is necessary to be ignorant, that international aid is not important. But Amazonia cannot be a sanctuary for humanity. Remember that 20 million people live there, and need to eat and work. We must also take care of them, taking into consideration the preservation of the environment,” he said.
For Lula, it is necessary for Brazilians to react and mobilize for the defense of nature. The leader reminds “Le Monde” that, during his administration, funds were created, financed by Germany and Norway, to protect the forest, in addition to 144 protected natural zones, allowing the reduction of illegal deforestation. “We can’t expect anything from Bolsonaro and his ministers on this issue,” he said.
The former president made a positive assessment of the Worker’s Party’s (PT) electoral performance and does not believe that the party should be self-critical. “Fernando Haddad received 47 million votes. That’s a lot! Yes, we lost an election, it’s true. But losing is normal in a democracy. We can’t always win. In Brazil, there are many who oppose but also many people who believe in the party and others who need to be convinced.
He once again affirmed his innocence and says he is optimistic about the future. “I feel good, morally and physically. I have peace of mind because I know why I am here. I know that I am innocent and that those who put me in prison are liars. I am an optimist. My mother taught me that. So, yes, prison is a test. But I have a lot of energy, I am very serene. I’m sure I’ll win”.
Commenting on his hope of getting out of prison, Lula spares no criticism of Sergio Moro, whom he accuses of speaking with prosecutors and lying to the Supreme Court. But the former president is convinced that one day he will leave prison and “one-day people will be held accountable for what happened in this country”.
Lula also told “Le Monde” that he would not fear for his life if he were released. “Brazil is a country of peace, with people who love life. I want to get out of prison and talk to the people. I am a man without revenge, without hatred. Hate burns the stomach, causes headaches, pain in the feet! And I’m fine, just because I’m on the side of truth. And, in the end, it is always the truth that wins”, he concluded.
Source: UOL/RFI
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