Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Lula states world doesn’t need emperor


(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticized the United States for acting like an empire and urged Washington to respect the sovereignty of other nations. His remarks were a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose new tariffs on countries cooperating with the BRICS alliance.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump warned of an additional 10% tariff on nations “aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS.” His comments followed the conclusion of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, which includes members such as Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa.

Speaking to reporters at the summit’s close, Lula dismissed Trump’s remarks as irresponsible. “The president of a country as powerful as the United States shouldn’t be making global threats online,” he said. “The world doesn’t need an emperor. We are sovereign nations. If he wants to impose tariffs, we also have the right to respond in kind.”

Lula emphasized the importance of international relations based on mutual respect and genuine sovereignty. “Every country has the right to chart its own path,” he said.

He also rejected Trump’s public support for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently facing trial over allegations of trying to overturn the 2022 election. Trump recently denounced the legal proceedings as a political “witch hunt.”

“We don’t take orders from anyone,” Lula said. “Our institutions are independent and strong.”

BRICS members continue to explore ways to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, including expanding the use of national currencies in trade and developing alternative payment systems.

MENAFN08072025000045015687ID1109772271



MENAFN

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Search