In an interview with Jovem Pan News, Labor Minister defends diversification of markets, reacts to sanctions and counteracts criticism of the Brazilian judiciary
The Minister of Labor ,, said, in an interview with Young Pan Newsthat Brazil will further reduce its commercial dependence on after the current diplomatic crisis. According to him, at the beginning of the president’s third term, about 25% of Brazilian exports were destined for the US market. Today, this percentage is around 12%. “I’m sure, after this crisis, let’s depend on the US even less,” he said.
Marinho stated that the Planalto Palace is open to dialogue with US entrepreneurs, but directly criticized the president, whom he accused of acting as a “emperor of the world” – a criticism that had already been made by Lula. He also rejected Washington attacks on the Supreme Court (STF) and stressed that “it is not for questioning the authority and decisions” of his ministers.
Speech occurs amid increased bilateral tensions, after the US apply 50% tariffs on Brazilian products, revoke visas from STF ministers and sanction people linked to the Mais Médicos program, created in the Dilma Rousseff government and resumed by Lula. This week, the US embassy called the “diplomatic scam” program and accused Brazilian authorities to cover up a “forced labor export scheme” involving Cuban doctors – a statement that had already been contested by the Brazilian government. About the tariff, Marinho said that Brazil is willing to negotiate, but “without bravata”. “We are open to talk, but with respect. We will not lower our heads to anyone.”
Trump has also publicly defended former President Jair Bolsonaro, arrested under home and defendant for attempted coup, stating that he suffers a “political execution.” Washington’s criticism of the Brazilian judiciary motivated Itamaraty’s reaction, which summoned the embassy’s business in charge to clarify.
*With information from Isabela Noleto
