President calls unilateralism a “fallacious response” and claims that the world’s 1st trillionaire is richer than the poorest 46%
The president (PT) criticized, this Tuesday (June 16, 2026), protectionism and unilateralism during his speech at the G7 summit in France. “Now, protectionism and unilateralism resurface as fallacious responses to the complexity of our problems”declared the PT member.
Lula spoke at the expanded meeting about “Signing new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity”. The meeting between world leaders was not open to the press. The president’s speech was published by Planalto. Read (PDF – 208 kB).
The PT member also mentioned businessman Elon Musk. Declared: “The world’s 1st trillionaire is richer than the poorest 46% of the world’s population. The extreme concentration of wealth results from decades of pro-billionaire policies”. Musk in the world on June 12, driven by the appreciation of SpaceX shares.
This is not the first time that the PT member has mentioned the North American. In 2024, for example, it used a on TV and radio stations to criticize Musk after the . “We will always be intolerant of anyone, no matter how wealthy, who challenges Brazilian legislation. Our sovereignty is not for sale”he said at the time.
USA
Lula’s trip to the G7 takes place amid tensions with the United States caused by the announcement of a possible new 25% tax on Brazilian products and the classification of the CV (Comando Vermelho) and the PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) as terrorist organizations.
Considering the participation of North American President Donald Trump (Republican) in the event, the expectation was created that the 2 leaders could meet. The existence of a request for a bilateral meeting was denied by Planalto. Despite this, an informal meeting between the 2 – (United Nations) – it is not ruled out.
In his speech, Lula did not mention Trump or criticize the United States’ measures against Brazil. Despite this, he mentioned some of the justifications presented by the North American government for the new tariff and for classifying criminal organizations as terrorists. Here are the excerpts:
- “Brazil has made its contribution. The Tropical Forests Forever Fund will channel investments towards the conservation of this biome and its inhabitants” –one of the US arguments is deforestation in the Amazon;
- “One of them is the challenge of organized crime, which terrorizes communities and diverts public resources that should be directed to the construction of schools, hospitals and roads. This effort must take into account respect for the sovereignty of States” –one of the government’s criticisms of the framing of the CV and the PCC as “terrorists” is how this could affect Brazilian sovereignty;
- “Energy and digital transitions cannot reproduce historical patterns that concentrate economic benefits in a few actors” –Pix is cited by the USA as an example of unfair commercial practices.
In domestic speeches, Lula openly quotes the republican: he has already stated that the At the G7, the head of state’s speech was more polished both because he was a guest at the event and because he aimed to avoid unnecessary strain on a topic that the Brazilian government still intends to relax.
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Lula also demanded greater participation from rich countries in helping poorer nations. He cited a 23% drop in Official Development Assistance and a 40% reduction in World Food Program funding.
“These are not abstract figures. They directly impact the daily lives of inhabitants of developing countries. There are millions of people without access to adequate food; children without attending school; women deprived of protection; and communities vulnerable to diseases that can be prevented”, declared.
One of the G7’s proposals is the expansion of private capital to promote the development of these countries. For Lula, there is a “Responsibility of States”.
“Although the private sector’s contribution is welcome, Official Development Assistance remains the primary responsibility of States. We need a financial system in which countries are not forced to choose between paying creditors and feeding their children. It is clear that the challenge is not managing shortages”these.
