Lula Sworn In As Brazil's Next President, Vows to Protect the Environment

By Rick Martin Jan 01 2023, 21:50 PM EST

As New Year's Day hit Brazil, the largest democracy in South America entered a new era as Lula was sworn in as the country's president. During his inauguration, Lula promised to get Brazil "out of Jair Bolsonaro's era of "devastation, barbarism, and hate."

During his address to the country's National Congress in Brasilia, Lula, whose real name is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, promised he would also lead Brazil into a new chapter of environmental protection, social progress, and "rational democratic" government.

He told lawmakers that this was a big win for democracy and then said, "Long live democracy! Long live the Brazilian people!" This made lawmakers erupt in loud cheers, according to The Guardian.

However, as Lula gets inaugurated, Brazil faces increasing political division as he won a surprisingly close race against then-sitting President Jair Bolsonaro.

Despite Bolsonaro's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and a failing economy, as well as supporting businesses that have led to massive deforestation of the Amazon and the displacement of indigenous people, Bolsonaro still managed to give Lula a tough race, forcing a run-off election against Lula.

Lula Hits Former President Jair Bolsonaro in Inauguration Speech

In his speech, Lula promised hope and reconstruction as tens of thousands of people cheered him on. However, he addressed the previous administration without even uttering Bolsonaro's name.

Lula promised to revoke many of Bolsonaro's "criminal decrees." According to the Associated Press, this included loose Bolsonaro-era gun control laws. He also blamed the previous administration for the bungled COVID-19 response.

While he said that his administration does not "carry the spirit of revenge," Lula stated that he will be going after "those who sought to subjugate the nation to their personal and ideological designs." In other words, he vowed to go after Bolsonaro without even mentioning his name.

He added, "Those who erred will answer for their errors, with broad rights to their defense within the due legal process."

Security Tight During Lula's Presidential Inauguration

Brazil is now politically divided after the election, with many Bolsonaro supporters threatening violence during Lula's inauguration. Because of this, security was tight during the leftist leader's swearing-in ceremony.

Al Jazeera reported that Brazilian authorities deployed 10,000 police and military personnel to strengthen security. Participants were also searched as they entered the premises, with police and military not allowing attendees to bring bottles, cans, flag masts, or toy guns.

While Bolsonaro loosened gun laws in Brazil, civilians were temporarily banned from carrying firearms as the inauguration happened, as threats to Lula's life were still active.

Bolsonaro did not attend his successor's inauguration, making Lula the first incoming president to not receive the yellow-and-green sash from his predecessor. Instead, Lula received the sash from a black woman, as Bolsonaro vowed he would never do the symbolic act of the peaceful transfer of power.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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