Lula says Brazil is prepared to face foreign interference in the election

"Brazil is not only prepared but will face anyone from outside who wants to interfere in our electoral process," said Lula.

When talking about the new crisis with the United States, triggered by the revocation of the visa of the Brazilian ambassador in Washington, Maria Luiza Viotti, the president called the White House's measure "irresponsible and thoughtless". He refuted the Americans' argument of reciprocity, saying that they did not care about the embassy in Brasilia since American President Donald Trump came to power.

"The United States didn't care about the embassy in Brazil, because it's been in power for a year and a half and hasn't sent it here. Now, they try to send it and think we have an obligation to do it on the date they want? It's not correct and it's not possible, we want to be treated with respect," said Lula.

The US appointed Daniel Perez to head diplomacy in Brazil, and they say that the Planalto creates obstacles to granting authorization for him to carry out the role in Brazil. Lula justified the delay by stating that he did not want to receive new ambassadors in Brasília until the elections were over.

Regarding the visa revocation of State Department employees Riley Barnes and Samuel Samson, Lula said he heard the news that they were wanting to "meddle" in the electoral process and praised the Itamaraty's measure. "I heard the news that two young people were coming here to interfere, inspect and investigate the Brazilian polls. Itamaraty, correctly, denied them visas," he declared.

The president also recalled the contact he had with Trump, stating that the contacts were friendly, but that the American president did not release the visas of sanctioned Brazilian authorities.

Regarding the possibility of American interference in the elections, Lula said that it would be good if the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, held a rally for the senator and presidential candidate, Flávio Bolsonaro (PL).

"If the Secretary of State wants to come here and hold a rally for my opponent, it might even be a good thing. I want, in one go, to defeat them all together," said Lula.

Lula also mocked the American electoral system and said that Brazil could bring knowledge in the area to the United States. "Instead of questioning our ballot box, they should ask us to take the ballot boxes so they can conduct an electronic election so they know that we are at the height of electoral modernity," he declared.