Lula Allies Accuse Flávio Bolsonaro of Orchestrating U.S. Interference

Allies of Brazilian President Lula da Silva are accusing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro of orchestrating U.S. interference in Brazil's affairs. This accusation follows Donald Trump's decision to classify the Brazilian criminal factions Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) as terrorist organizations. Senator Bolsonaro reportedly presented this demand during a visit to the U.S.

The Lula administration reportedly aims to associate Senator Bolsonaro, a presidential hopeful for the Liberal Party (PL), with militias. This strategy seeks to counter the U.S. classification and maintain a narrative defending national sovereignty. Minister Guilherme Boulos questioned whether the U.S. would also classify militias linked to the Bolsonaros in Rio de Janeiro as terrorist groups.

Sources close to the president suggest the government intends to leverage the "Dark Horse" case, involving Flávio Bolsonaro and banker Daniel Vorcaro, as a response to the senator's intervention in discussions between Brazil and the U.S. regarding organized crime. Bolsonaro's visit to the U.S. occurred during a challenging period in his presidential campaign, following revelations about his dealings with Vorcaro, from whom he allegedly sought funds for a film about his father.

Presidential advisor Celso Amorim emphasized that public security is crucial for socioeconomic development and that organized crime must be combated. While international cooperation is welcomed, particularly in combating money laundering and arms smuggling, Amorim stated that pretexts for intervention are unacceptable. The Brazilian government also intends to reiterate its commitment to extraditing leaders of Brazilian criminal organizations residing in Miami, a point previously raised by President Lula. The administration views foreign interference as unwelcome by the Brazilian population and believes such actions could have economic repercussions, potentially hindering American investments and allowing U.S. government interference in Brazilian companies' affairs in the U.S.