Lula uses September 7 speech to defend sovereignty and criticize foreign interference

President Lula (PT) used the traditional presidential address of the 7th of September to reinforce important themes for his administration in this third term and used in his re-election campaign, such as the defense of national sovereignty and the exploration of strategic minerals.

In the speech that aired on national radio and TV this Sunday night (6), Lula sent indirect messages to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, by repudiating foreign interference in mineral exploration, in the extraction of oil at Foz do Amazonas and in international trade — the US is working to stop China's advance in Latin America.

"We cannot lower our heads in the face of foreign powers that want to turn Brazil into a colony again. We are not a colony and we will not be anyone's colony," said Lula.

The USA is interested in the extraction of rare earths in Brazil for military use, and Trump has already addressed issues of Brazilian domestic politics, when he rejected Jair Bolsonaro's conviction for an attempted coup d'état and gave a nod to Flávio Bolsonaro's (PL) campaign. He tried to send officials to oversee Brazil's electoral process.

Lula has dealt with minerals in his campaign. In the program that aired last week, he placed people's faces in symbols from the periodic table to present and explain the concept of rare earths to the public, a topic still little known by the population.

The theme became one of its flagships after the increase in national and international interest in these minerals. In addition to American greed, mineral exploration was on this year's political agenda when Ronaldo Caiado (PSD), Lula's rival in the presidential race, suggested a partnership with the USA for exploration in his state, Goiás.

In his speech, Lula related the topic of rare earths to the achievements of his administration within the National Congress, citing the approval of the Legal Framework for Critical Minerals last week.

Without specifically mentioning the end of the 6x1 working day—in which you work 6 days a week before taking a break—, Lula addressed the issue of quality of life and time for yourself, a speech used by him and his team in defending the agenda.

"A sovereign country is one capable of creating the opportunities that its people need to achieve their own independence. Financial independence, the independence of being able to study, think freely, choose the best profession and the best job. Having more time for yourself and your family", he said.

The PEC (Proposed Amendment to the Constitution) that provides for the change in working hours was approved by the Senate's CCJ (Constitution and Justice Commission) last week. The president of the House, Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), said that the topic should be taken to the plenary after the first round, as shown by Folha.

Lula arranged for the two agendas to move forward together with other faces for his government before the elections, in a meeting with Alcolumbre (União-AP) and the president of the Chamber, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB).

The progress of issues with strong popular appeal is an important political currency for both the president and Congress as elections for federal positions approach.

To maintain the traditional statement made by the Presidents of the Republic on Independence Day, Lula needed to receive authorization from the TSE (Superior Electoral Court). The court restricts the use of government resources and equipment during the campaign to prevent the use of public machinery for the benefit of candidates.

Just like the statement, this Monday's parade (7) will suffer from restrictions due to the election year. In this edition, there will be no distribution of Independence themed items such as caps.

The statement was recorded before the crisis worsened at the Federal Supreme Court, split by the dispute between Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça, the latter rapporteur of the Master and INSS cases at the court. Moraes had conversations with Vorcaro revealed by order of Mendonça, which triggered a counterattack from the other minister.

Lula did not address the topic in his September 7th speech.

As Folha showed, the government will use the phrase "The Force that Unites Brazil" as the motto for this year's September 7th parade, in line with what has been highlighted by Lula. The pieces and materials with the phrase were placed on the Esplanada dos Ministérios, which is being prepared for the event, in Brasília.

See the full speech

My friends and my friends,

Tomorrow, September 7th, is the day to celebrate Brazil's independence. Beyond the cry of Dom Pedro 1º on the banks of Ipiranga, Brazil's independence was a hard achievement for men and women who gave their lives in the battles against tyranny, slavery, and social injustice. From Tiradentes, hero of the Inconfidência Mineira, to Maria Quitéria, Maria Felipa and Joana Angélica, heroines of the 2nd of July in Bahia. Defending Brazil's independence is defending our sovereignty and our democracy.

More than ever, we need to fight for what is ours. We have the second largest rare earth reserves in the world, and the largest source of fresh water. Last month, we discovered a rich new reserve of oil. These riches must serve the future of the Brazilian people. The legal framework that will allow Brazil to transform its enormous reserves of critical minerals and rare earths into development and wealth for the Brazilian people was approved in the National Congress. Natural resources that, like our oil, must be used to develop cutting-edge technology and generate quality jobs in Brazil.

Therefore, we need to remain strong and proud, without lowering our heads, so as not to let Brazil become, once again, a colony of other foreign powers. We are not, and will not be, anyone's colony. My friends, a sovereign country is one capable of defending its territory, its borders, its environment, its wealth and its people from any foreign interests.

A sovereign country is one capable of creating the opportunities that its people need to achieve their independence. Financial independence, the independence of being able to study, think freely, choose the best profession and the best job. Have more time for yourself and your family. The independence of counting, as provided for in the Federal Constitution, with quality public health, and the best free education for their children. And to live in a country free from hunger, poverty and all forms of inequality, with more rights for everyone, and fewer privileges.

My friends, Brazil works for world peace and harmony between nations. We defend free trade. No foreign country has the right to say who we can buy from, and who we can sell to. We are a sovereign country, and our decisions belong to us and no one else. We have plenty of reasons to be proud of our country. We have the Amazon, and one of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. We are an example in defending the environment.

Our cultural richness enchants the world. We are a global reference in energy transition and in facing the climate emergency that threatens the future of humanity. And we are, each and every one of you, aware that together we form one of the most admired peoples on the entire planet. A happy Independence Day, and may God continue to bless Brazil.