Original article: Ponerse «en cuatro patas» ante EE.UU. o «besar la bandera brasileña»: Lula confronta al bolsonarismo por la soberanía de Brasil

Lula Challenges Bolsonaro’s Influence on Brazilian Sovereignty Amid Election Campaign

«What is at stake is defining what kind of Brazil we want: one that kisses the Brazilian flag or one that bends over backwards for the American flag,» declared Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as he confronted Bolsonaro’s ideology while defending the sovereignty of the Latin American nation against interference and attacks from Washington.

As he heads into the runoff election, the incumbent leader, who is seeking re-election, conducted a campaign event between Juazeiro and Petrolina, two cities located on the border of Bahia and Pernambuco states, emphasizing that «what is at stake on the 25th is not just a simple election», but a crucial decision: whether Brazil defends its sovereignty or submits to the United States.

Throughout the campaign, Lula has faced off against the Liberal Party’s candidate, far-right Flávio Bolsonaro, for the presidency of Brazil, as he advocates for national sovereignty against his opponent’s subservience to U.S. interests.

He has even raised alarms about the Bolsonaro family’s ties to the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, who, in 2025, imposed a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports in retaliation for the trial faced by his ally, Jair Bolsonaro, for attempting a coup, labeling it as political persecution against the former Brazilian leader.

Currently, Bolsonaro is under house arrest after being sentenced to 27 years in prison in September 2025 for attempting to stage a coup to cling to power and prevent Lula’s inauguration following the 2022 election results.

During the campaign, Flávio Bolsonaro reaffirmed his commitment to include Brazil in the Shield of the Americas, a controversial initiative backed by Trump, prompting Lula to accuse him of subordinating to Washington’s interests.

At the same campaign event, the president called on abstentionists and citizens over 70, for whom voting is optional in Brazil, to participate in the election’s second round.

Lula Will Not Participate in Final Debate If Bolsonaro Does Not Disclose His Bank Records

Tomorrow, the final presidential debate will take place before the runoff on Sunday, and Lula conditioned his participation on Flávio Bolsonaro releasing his banking and telephone records, as well as those of other family members.

«If he presents the document authorizing the breaking of secrecy (bank and phone), there will be a debate. If not, he cannot attend the debate because the President of the Republic cannot debate with a thief,» he stated.

Indeed, the progressive leader authorized access to his banking and telephone records and those of his family, demanding the same from his opponent.

Lula has sought explanations regarding the 134 million reais (US$24 million, at the time’s exchange rate) that Flávio negotiated with Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of Banco Master, who is detained and investigated for a financial fraud scheme, to finance «Dark Horse,» a film about Jair Bolsonaro. According to documents and messages revealed by Intercept Brasil, at least 61 million reais (US$10.6 million) were allegedly disbursed. To date, no public and detailed accounting has been provided to clarify the final destination of those funds.