Brazil: Macron and Lula show their closeness on environmental issues

Protection and sustainable development of the Amazon, cooperation in the production of submarines, the economy… During a three-day visit to Brazil, Emmanuel Macron and Lula tried to emphasize the very broad partnership between the two countries, even if it meant abandoning their cooperation. disagreements not only over Ukraine but also over a trade agreement between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur, which was condemned by French farmers during the agricultural crisis earlier this year.

No, it was a time of smiles, hugs and handshakes. Social media was amused by the “bromance” between a 46-year-old former banker and a 78-year-old former trade union leader. “Some people compare the photographs of my visit to Brazil with a wedding, I tell them: it was one thing! France loves Brazil and Brazil loves France! “, the French president even joked to X during his departure. Macron noted the “spirit of resistance” and congratulated his hosts on “restoring democracy” during a joint press conference.

As a result of the visit, partnership agreements were signed in all areas. Macron saw the Brazil-France relationship as “a bridge between the global South and the developed world.” In addition, the French president supported Brazil’s G20 presidency, particularly on global governance reform as well as taxation of the richest people, two topics dear to the icon of the left. Issues that will be discussed at the G20 summit of heads of state in November in Rio de Janeiro.

A summit during which fault lines could become more visible over disagreements over the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. Westerners, and France in particular, keep Kyiv at arm’s length. For his part, Lula has stood out in the past for believing that responsibility in Ukraine is shared and refusing to isolate Russia.

“The point of this club is that it must be coordinated with 19 others, this will be the work of Brazilian diplomacy,” Emmanuel Macron said. For his part, Lula only noted that “diversity” should be accepted within organizations such as the G20, without going further. He also calculated that “two stubborn people will have to get along,” referring to Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

On the other hand, the two presidents united on the issue of Venezuela. They condemned the exclusion of opponent Corina Joris from the July presidential elections. “We very strongly condemn the exclusion of a serious and credible candidate from this process,” Emmanuel Macron said. Lula considered his removal from the game against President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in power for 11 years, “serious.” The Brazilian leader has previously defended his Venezuelan counterpart in the face of international criticism, even calling accusations of authoritarianism “narrative.”