Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated this Thursday that the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is “practically ceasing to exist” due to pressure from the far right. During a ceremony to present a posthumous *doctor honoris causa* degree to former Uruguayan President Pepe Mujica, the Brazilian Head of State stated that “CELAC is practically ceasing to exist because the rise of the far right is driving countries away.”
Lula lamented that we currently find ourselves in a historical context where the events of the 2000s are not being replicated—a time when left-wing and right-wing presidents across Latin America united to create CELAC and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
Brazil’s Head of State was one of the driving forces behind the creation of these regional forums and is one of the few leaders who will attend the CELAC summit this coming Saturday in Bogotá.
Lula argued that the partial failure of regional institutions can be attributed to their lack of “solid mechanisms”—such as a regional bank—while emphasizing that South America, if it remains divided, stands “no chance” against the major global powers.
The Brazilian leader also criticized those countries that believe U.S. President Donald Trump will solve South America’s problems. “The ones who will solve South America’s problems are us,” he said.
Lula shared a letter written by Mujica in 2023, following a meeting the Brazilian president held with the presidents of South America in Brasília.
“Great efforts will be required to confront climate change, the crisis of the hegemonic economic model, the obsolete international order, and the major polarizing forces,” he underscored. Mujica.
Mujica added that “joining forces is the very least we can do to avoid becoming passive victims and to give ourselves the opportunity for a better future. We recognize your leadership and your efforts, which extend far beyond the region and embody a message of peace. At 88 years of age, the capacity to dream of a different America gives life greater meaning. With my best wishes to all the participants in the Retreat, I send you a fraternal embrace from your friend and comrade, Pepe.”
IMAGE CREDIT: Brazil’s Head of State was one of the driving forces behind the creation of these regional forums and is one of the few leaders who will participate in the CELAC summit this coming Saturday in Bogotá. Photo: EFE
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
