Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was met with loud protest outside his hotel in New York City Sunday. As he prepares to deliver the traditional opening speech at the United Nations General Assembly, dozens of demonstrators gathered to denounce him, accuse him of corruption, and demand accountability.
The protestors, many wearing Brazil’s yellow and green or symbols tied to conservative movements, shouted slogans like “Lula thief, your place is prison,” and “communist,” among others. Some held banners associated with the Workers’ Party (PT), Lula’s political base, while a smaller number supported him. Security forces—including the U.S. Secret Service—were on the scene, keeping the groups separated and preventing escalation.
Lula has been preparing his policy priorities in New York: to address climate change, democracy, and the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. Under Brazil’s foreign ministry plans, he is expected to call for greater recognition of Palestine, increased climate action ahead of COP30, and cooperation from other nations to defend democratic values. Domestically, Lula has a controversial record with legal cases from past administrations still under public scrutiny, especially from political opponents who argue he has leveraged the judicial system against conservatives.
The demonstrations reflect sharp divisions in Brazil both at home and among its diaspora. Many protesters appear deeply distrustful of Lula’s past convictions and perceive his current terms as hostile to political opposition. Others view his leadership as a return to progressive priorities after Bolsonaro. The mix of chants, symbolism, and presence of both critics and supporters encapsulates the complicated political landscape King Brasil is navigating.
Despite the protests, Lula did not confront or engage with the protesters directly. He offered only a brief wave from a safe distance before continuing with his diplomatic engagements. The event raises questions about how world leaders are received abroad, the reach of popular dissent, and how President Lula’s image will shift ahead of his first UN speech of this term.
