Caiado calls Lula's potential U.S. tariff retaliation 'stupidity'

Ronaldo Caiado, the Social Democratic Party's (PSD) presidential candidate, has strongly criticized the current Lula administration's approach to international trade, particularly its potential response to U.S. tariffs. Caiado labeled the possibility of Brazil applying reciprocal tariffs against the United States as "stupidity," arguing it jeopardizes crucial economic relations.

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What stupidity is this? A reciprocity measure at this moment, when the largest investor is the United States?

Caiado accused the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Itamaraty, of becoming an "ideological arm" of the Workers' Party (PT) and a "tentacle" of the party. He asserted that the president's "mood" should not endanger Brazil's relationship with the U.S., its largest investor. The government had previously notified the U.S. of its intent to initiate the reciprocity process, though it is currently in a diplomatic analysis phase.

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It cannot be the president's mood that puts the coexistence we have [with the United States] at risk.

During a campaign event, Caiado outlined his economic vision, proposing Roberto Azevêdo, former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, as his potential foreign minister. He criticized Lula's economic policies as populist and lacking fiscal discipline, while also dismissing Flávio Bolsonaro's economic experience. Caiado pledged to control government spending, aiming to keep it between 40% and 50% of GDP.

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The liturgy of the president of the Republic cannot be 'bar fight'.

Addressing public security, Caiado dismissed concerns about potential U.S. intervention in Brazil related to combating drug trafficking organizations, following statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about potential operations in allied territories. Caiado stated that Brazil would not need foreign support for its security operations, emphasizing an integration of information systems with other countries but asserting Brazilian sovereignty in public security matters. He expressed frustration at not being president to declare factions like the Comando Vermelho and PCC as terrorist organizations.

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We will have an information integration system with other countries, including Europe, the United States, and neighboring countries, but public security in the country is operated by the Brazilian government.