Lula Criticizes 'Rotten' Brazilian Politics, Calls for PT Renewal Amid Budget Controversy

During the 46th anniversary event of the Workers' Party (PT) in Salvador, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a sharp critique of the current political system in Brazil, describing it as "rotten." He expressed concern about the decaying state of politics, particularly highlighting the shameful nature of electoral campaigns and political candidacies. Lula warned party members against allowing the PT to become an ordinary party and emphasized the importance of building a strong party beyond a strong leader.

Lula criticized the increasing influence of the National Congress over the public budget, condemning the "secret budget" or "relator amendments" mechanism, which he said amounted to a "seizure" of executive funds. He noted that nearly R$60 billion are involved this year, regretting past PT support for such allocations. This fiscal critique was part of a broader call for political renewal within the party and the Brazilian system as a whole.

In addition to the budget issues, Lula acknowledged the centralization of power within the executive, lamenting the sidelining of the legislative branch to right-wing control. His speech included reflections on societal issues such as the debate over lowering the age of criminal responsibility for youth and the country's stagnation in oil exploration, urging more environmental awareness.

The anniversary event also marked the start of the pre-campaign efforts for upcoming elections, with participation from key party leaders and allied party members from the PSB, PCdoB, and Psol. Lula's candid self-critique and policy concerns signal an urgent push for PT's internal renewal and a response to broader political challenges in Brazil.