Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says he plans to tell US President Donald Trump not to interfere in Brazil’s upcoming presidential election when the two leaders attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.
Lula made the comments during a campaign event in Brasilia on Wednesday, saying he expected to have a conversation with Trump during the UN gathering.
Brazil’s presidential election is scheduled for October, with Lula seeking another term. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, is among his main challengers and has been supported by Trump.
Lula has previously warned Trump against intervening in Brazil’s domestic politics, saying Brazil’s elections should be decided by Brazilian voters. Trump has publicly maintained close political ties with the Bolsonaro family.
Relations between Brasilia and Washington have also been strained by disagreements over trade, judicial proceedings involving Jair Bolsonaro and US criticism of Brazil’s political and legal institutions.
Brazilian authorities previously denied visa requests from two US officials whose planned visit was described by Brazilian officials as an attempt to question the integrity of the country’s electoral system. The US State Department rejected that characterization and said the proposed trip was part of its normal work on democracy and human rights.
Lula has also criticised US tariffs imposed on Brazilian goods, which he has described as an attempt to exert political pressure on his government. Washington has disputed that interpretation and cited broader concerns involving Brazil’s policies and political situation.
The Brazilian president is expected to address the UN General Assembly on Sept 22. Trump is also scheduled to speak at the annual gathering of world leaders.
There is no confirmed bilateral meeting between Lula and Trump, according to Brazilian officials. The two leaders are nevertheless expected to be in New York at the same time and could meet on the sidelines of the UN gathering.
Lula’s planned message reflects the wider tensions between Brazil and the United States as the South American country approaches a closely watched presidential election.
Both governments have continued to maintain diplomatic and economic ties despite their disagreements, while Brazil’s political leaders prepare for the October vote.
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