Ronaldo Caiado criticizes Lula over remarks regarding Marco Rubio

Presidential candidate Ronaldo Caiado has criticized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his recent remarks regarding U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio. Caiado characterized Lula’s comments as provocations intended for electoral benefit that could ultimately penalize Brazil.

The tension follows Lula’s recent statements where he labeled Rubio a “Bolsonarista” who “hates Brazil” and is “anti-Latin American.” Lula also addressed U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products, citing climate concerns and deforestation. In response, Caiado accused the president of being weak in the face of U.S. trade pressures and suggested the rhetoric serves to distract from economic losses caused by tariffs.

Separately, Caiado is engaging with the business sector as part of his presidential campaign. He is scheduled to meet with a group of CEOs and executives in São Paulo to discuss economic reforms, legal certainty for investments, infrastructure, and public security.