Lula defends prepared armed forces: 'There are crazy people in the world wanting war'

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed the necessity of maintaining well-prepared and trained armed forces, viewing them as a crucial deterrent in a world where some leaders desire war. Speaking during a visit to a defense company in São Paulo, Lula argued that possessing sufficient military power, scientific, and technological knowledge allows Brazil to advocate for peace without arrogance and prevent external interference.

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There are crazy people in the world wanting to make war.

"We like peace, but we cannot forget that, one fine day, Paraguay decided to invade Brazil. It invaded Corumbá and, at the same time, invaded Uruguay and at the same time Argentina. And that war, which seemed like it wouldn't be much, lasted five years," the president stated, referencing the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870).

Lula highlighted the immense cost of such conflicts, noting that the war likely consumed the equivalent of five national budgets of that era. He urged serious attention to the national defense industry to ensure the Army, Navy, and Air Force can protect Brazil's vast territory and extensive coastline. He likened the armed forces to God, suggesting their importance is often overlooked until needed.

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We like peace, but we cannot forget that, one fine day, Paraguay decided to invade Brazil. It invaded Corumbá and, at the same time, invaded Uruguay and at the same time Argentina. And that war, which seemed like it wouldn't be much, lasted five years.

Lula, a frontrunner for the upcoming October presidential election, made these remarks as he seeks a fourth non-consecutive term. His comments underscore a commitment to national security and defense capabilities as a cornerstone of Brazil's foreign policy and internal stability.

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The Armed Forces are like God. One may not believe in him, but when one has a stomach ache for the first time, one says: 'Oh my God!'