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Lula promises more defense investment upon launching presidential bid
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

Lula promises more defense investment upon launching presidential bid

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched his presidential candidacy, promising increased defense investment if elected.
  • He cited the need to prevent foreign invasion and protect national sovereignty, drawing parallels to events in Venezuela.
  • Lula also highlighted international trends of military strengthening by countries like England, Germany, and Japan.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched his bid for a fourth presidential term on Sunday, using the occasion to pledge a significant increase in defense spending should he win the upcoming October elections. Speaking at the Workers' Party (PT) national convention in São Paulo, the Brazilian leader framed the investment as a necessity for national security and sovereignty.

I want to be prepared so that no one invades this country to take the president, as they have invaded. I want to be prepared for peace, not for war.

— Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaLula da Silva explains his rationale for increasing defense investment, linking it to national sovereignty and preventing foreign interference.

"I want to be prepared so that no one invades this country to take the president, as they have invaded. I want to be prepared for peace, not for war," Lula stated, appearing to allude to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He urged left-wing activists to abandon the notion that defense is a trivial matter, emphasizing its importance for national protection. "I want to be prepared so that no one dares to take us for fools. Is that clear? That is why it is important to know that we need to invest in defense," he asserted.

Lula also pointed to global military developments, noting that nations such as England, Germany, and Japan are bolstering their defense industries. He expressed his intention to follow suit if victorious in October, aiming to strengthen Brazil's own military capabilities. This stance comes despite his past criticisms of increased defense spending by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

I want to be prepared so that no one dares to take us for fools. Is that clear? That is why it is important to know that we need to invest in defense.

— Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaLula da Silva emphasizes the strategic importance of defense investment to deter potential adversaries and protect national interests.

Addressing potential voter concerns stemming from Brazil's history with military dictatorship, Lula acknowledged the "trauma" but stressed the imperative to safeguard the nation's vast territory, extensive coastline, and large population amidst international instability. "I want you to know that I will take the issue of defense seriously in my fourth term," he reinforced, focusing his speech on his administration's past achievements and offering few remarks about his political opponents.

I want you to know that I will take the issue of defense seriously in my fourth term.

— Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaLula da Silva reiterates his commitment to prioritizing defense matters if re-elected for a fourth term.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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