Lula rejects Trump's terrorism label for Brazilian criminal factions

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has adopted a tougher stance on public security, specifically addressing the need to reclaim territories in Rio de Janeiro occupied by criminal factions. During an official event in Rio, Lula rejected comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously classified Brazilian criminal organizations like the PCC and CV as terrorist groups.

Lula argued that Trump’s definition of terrorism refers to ‘state terrorism,’ citing the January 8 coup attempt in Brazil as an example. He also expressed concerns regarding resource security, stating that Brazil must increase surveillance in the equatorial margin and pre-salt regions because Trump is interested in ‘critical minerals, oil, and rare earths.’

This shift toward more rigorous security rhetoric comes as Lula seeks to improve his standing on crime issues, an area where political rival Flávio Bolsonaro currently holds a lead in public perception polls.