Brazil faces criticism over sovereignty claims and handling of criminal factions

Two opinion pieces published in Brazil criticize current political dynamics. One article argues that actions by the Bolsonaro family, such as former deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro's lobbying that led to a 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian exports and former President Jair Bolsonaro's symbolic gestures toward the United States, constitute a threat to Brazil’s sovereignty and increase dependence on foreign interests. It also warns that labeling domestic criminal groups like the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations could invite foreign intervention and harm the economy.

Another article accuses President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration of protecting criminal groups, describing the government’s alleged leniency toward the PCC and Comando Vermelho as a “Stockholm syndrome.” It claims the left‑wing government minimizes the threat of these gangs, which are said to control drug routes, impose curfews, recruit children, and influence elections, thereby undermining public security.