Concluding his remarks at the opening of the General Assembly debate, Lula noted that millions of Brazilians would head to the polls to elect a president, governors, and legislative representatives, but also—in his words—to choose between democracy and denialism.

  The president asserted that the elections would be competitive and transparent and that every candidate would enjoy maximum freedom of expression, though he noted that some use that freedom to align themselves with foreign interests against the country.

  He also warned about disinformation networks seeking to erode confidence in the electoral process, while highlighting the existence of a modern, robust electoral system under the watchful eye of a diverse citizenry and a free press.

  In the same speech, he addressed organized crime, assuring that Brazil is prepared to confront groups that terrorize communities, harm workers and families, and cause the deaths of police officers.

  He rejected outsourcing the responsibility of defending borders and guaranteeing the population’s right to live without fear. “We do not need aircraft carriers patrolling our waters,” he maintained, calling for cooperation to block the flow of weapons and money fueling crime.

  In this context, he mentioned a proposal personally delivered to U.S. President Donald Trump to block the flow of weapons and money fueling crime.

jdt/ool/mar