Lula Calls for Latin American Independence, Highlights Education and Politics as Future Pillars for Brazil

President Lula Advocates for Regional Sovereignty

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday, October 19, 2025, asserted Brazil's commitment to regional independence, stating that he would not tolerate any foreign leader speaking 'arrogantly to Brazil'. Speaking at an event with high school students in the São Bernardo do Campo municipality, President Lula called for the establishment of a 'Latin American doctrine' aimed at strengthening the region's autonomy from external influences. He declared, 'We want to build a Latin American doctrine, with Latin American teachers and students, so that we can dream of an independent continent, one where no president from another country will ever again dare to speak arrogantly to Brazil, because we will not accept it'.

The President framed the defense of national sovereignty not merely as an act of courage, but as a matter of 'dignity and character'. These remarks were made as Brazil and the United States are in the process of thawing relations, following tariffs of up to 50 percent imposed by Washington on Brazilian goods since early August. President Lula confirmed that a formal bilateral meeting would be held to discuss these additional tariffs, following a virtual conversation earlier this month with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Education as a Cornerstone for National Development

Beyond the immediate geopolitical statements, President Lula consistently underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping Brazil's future. While addressing high school students, he implicitly linked their academic pursuits to the nation's broader aspirations for independence and development. In earlier statements from February 2025, President Lula highlighted the Pé-de-Meia Program as a transformative public policy designed to combat school dropout rates and expand opportunities for low-income teenagers.

He described the program as a 'revolution', emphasizing that education is fundamental for Brazil's development and competitiveness on the global stage. President Lula has previously stated, 'If we don't invest in young people when they need it, later on we will invest in fighting organized crime, in building prisons. I'd rather invest in classrooms'. This reflects a long-standing commitment, as evidenced by his January 2023 promise to prioritize literacy and basic education. Further investment programs in Brazil's public education system were also announced in February 2024, addressing concerns over high school dropout rates.

Political Strength and Multilateralism

President Lula's advocacy extends to the political sphere, where he champions robust institutions and a balanced approach to international relations. His call for a 'Latin American doctrine' is a clear political statement aimed at defining the region's geopolitical standing. He has previously articulated that Brazil 'can't depend on one country or on one president's mood', asserting that 'People only respect you if you respect yourself. Anyone who thinks that bootlicking helps is wrong'.

In April 2025, during a visit by Chile's President, Lula emphasized the necessity of creating solid institutions that function effectively regardless of the government in power, ensuring that trade, cultural, and geopolitical policies are perennial rather than contingent on individuals. He also expressed a desire for Brazil to maintain relationships with both the United States and China, rather than being forced to choose between them. At the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, President Lula defended democracy as a means to combat inequality and promote multilateralism, linking strong democracies to the reduction of disparities and the guarantee of fundamental rights such as food, security, employment, housing, education, and healthcare.