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Key Points

President Lula firmly stated that Brazil will not accept subordinate treatment from other nations. He emphasized that anyone operating in Brazilian territory must comply with local laws and constitution. The comments come amid rising tensions with the US over tariffs and interference in domestic affairs. Lula remains open to negotiations but insists they must occur on equal terms between sovereign nations.

Key Points: Lula Rejects US Subordinate Treatment Amid Trump Tariff Tensions

  • Lula rejects foreign impositions stressing no one in Brazil is above the law
  • Demands accountability for anyone entering Brazilian territory under local legislation
  • Willing to negotiate with US but only on equal terms not as subordinates
  • Defends sovereignty as protecting people not just borders and resources
2 min read

Lula says Brazil should not be treated as subordinate

Brazilian President Lula da Silva asserts sovereignty against US pressure, rejecting Trump's tariffs and interference in Bolsonaro trial while demanding equal treatment.

"What we are not willing to accept is to be treated as if we were subordinates. - Lula da Silva"

Brasilia, Aug 27

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said that Brasilia is not willing to be treated as lesser by others, in an indirect response to Washington amid rising tensions with the United States.

Addressing the second meeting this year of his ministerial cabinet on Tuesday, Lula rejected foreign impositions and stressed that no one in Brazil is above the law.

Stressing Brazil's sovereignty, Lula said: "Anyone who wants to enter these 8.5 million square kilometres, our airspace, our maritime space, our forests, must be accountable to our Constitution and our legislation."

The Brazilian president also made comments on US President Donald Trump's imposition of steep tariffs on Brazilian goods and threats against any attempts to regulate large US technology companies, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The Brazilian government is willing to sit down at the negotiating table with the United States "on equal terms," Lula said, adding, "What we are not willing to accept is to be treated as if we were subordinates."

On July 30, the Trump administration announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Brazilian exports and sanction Alexandre de Moraes, a Brazilian Supreme Court justice. Moraes is currently overseeing the case against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of attempting to seize power following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.

Trump also called Brazil a "horrible trading partner" earlier this month, saying the trial against Bolsonaro was a "political execution."

On August 21, President Lula rebuked Trump, saying he "should not meddle" in Brazil's internal affairs.

"We need to know how to give people what they need: affection, comfort and treat them with love. That is the difference between governing and caring, because the right word is not governing, but caring," he said at an event in Sorocaba, a city in the state of Sao Paulo.

Lula added that he wants to care for Brazil, and Trump should not meddle in the country's affairs.

Stressing that the defence of sovereignty goes beyond protecting borders and resources, Lula said, "It is about protecting the people. That is what the sovereignty of a country is all about. That is why we are not afraid of being shouted at. In fact, we are polite. I don't yell at anyone."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Lula is absolutely right. No country should accept being treated as subordinate. But I hope Brazil also practices what it preaches in international forums. Respect should be mutual between nations.
M
Michael C
Interesting development. Brazil has every right to protect its sovereignty, but tariffs and trade disputes are complex. Hope both nations find diplomatic solutions rather than escalating tensions.
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Ananya R
As an Indian, I appreciate Lula's stance. We've seen how developed nations try to impose their will on developing countries. Every nation's laws and constitution must be respected. Brazil's forests are their treasure, not global property!
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Siddharth J
While I support standing up for sovereignty, I hope this doesn't turn into another trade war that hurts ordinary citizens. Both Brazil and US should negotiate reasonably. Economic stability matters for common people.
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Kavya N
Lula's point about sovereignty being about protecting people, not just borders, is so important! 👌 Developing nations need to support each other against external pressure. BRICS solidarity needed now more than ever.

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