Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Lula Warns Foreign Interference Could Threaten Brazil’s Upcoming Election
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, spoke at the United Nations.
He warned that foreign countries should not try to influence Brazil’s upcoming election.
He said Brazil’s voting system is strong and that false information could confuse voters.
Lula described the election as a choice between democracy and denialism.
He appeared to criticize his rival Flavio Bolsonaro without naming him directly.
Flavio has received support from some foreign political leaders, according to the report.
Lula also discussed organized crime in Brazil.
He said Brazil needs other countries to cooperate against crime, but does not need foreign military intervention.
The election is scheduled for October.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned against foreign interference in Brazil’s October election.
Lula said Brazil’s electoral system was modern and robust and criticized disinformation campaigns.
He said Brazil would not allow internal or external forces to undermine the popular will.
Lula rejected outside intervention against organized crime, calling instead for international cooperation.
His remarks appeared aimed at political rival Flavio Bolsonaro and Washington’s pressure on Brazilian drug gangs.
- Who
- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, political challenger Flavio Bolsonaro, and foreign governments involved in Brazil-related election and crime disputes.
- What
- Lula warned against foreign interference and disinformation in Brazil’s election and rejected outside intervention against organized crime.
- When
- Lula made the remarks on September 22; Brazil’s election is scheduled for October.
- Where
- At the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- He said foreign interference could undermine Brazil’s democratic vote and argued that crime should be addressed through cooperation rather than intervention.
Brazilian Sovereignty and Cooperation
Foreign Pressure and Support
Election involvement
Brazilian Sovereignty and Cooperation
Lula said Brazil would not allow internal or external enemies of democracy to undermine the election and warned against foreign interference and disinformation.
Foreign Pressure and Support
Flavio Bolsonaro has highlighted support from Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while his father is described as a longtime ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Response to organized crime
Brazilian Sovereignty and Cooperation
Lula said Brazil can confront criminal organizations and needs international cooperation to stop weapons and money flows.
Foreign Pressure and Support
Washington designated two major Brazilian drug gangs as terrorist organizations, an approach Lula criticized as undue interference in Brazil’s internal affairs.
- Speaker
- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
- Election timing
- Brazil’s election is scheduled for October
- Election outlook
- Opinion polls show Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro statistically tied in a potential second-round runoff
- Electoral system
- Lula described Brazil’s system as modern and robust
- Crime policy
- Lula called for international cooperation against organized crime rather than outside intervention
- U.S. action
- Washington designated two major Brazilian drug gangs as terrorist organizations earlier this year
- Lula’s message
- Brazil needs cooperation to stop the flow of weapons and money fueling crime, not aircraft carriers patrolling its waters