World leaders should seek respect, not rule through fear. This was stated by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in an interview with El Pais, sharply criticizing US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported.
"Trump has no right to wake up in the morning and threaten any country", Lula stressed, referring to Trump's threat from April 7 that he would destroy Iranian civilization.
"He was not elected for this and his Constitution does not allow it", the Brazilian president added, describing his American counterpart's approach to foreign policy as "a very wrong game", driven by the assumption that Washington's military and economic power allows it to set the rules.
In Lula's words, "no one has the right to scare others. It is essential that the strong take greater responsibility for maintaining peace," describing himself as a leader who prefers respect over fear.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also called for free elections in Venezuela without interference from Washington, after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on January 3.
"What cannot happen is for the US to think that it can govern Venezuela. This is not normal; it has no place in democracy," he said.
Lula has clashed with Trump frequently over the past decade. His main rival in the last election, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is now serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup to stay in power, was a close ally and supporter of Trump.
During his interview, the 80-year-old Lula also alluded to his advanced age, as well as Trump's, as he recalled how he had urged restraint when the 79-year-old US president imposed high tariffs on Brazil and sanctioned judges hearing Bolsonaro's case. The sanctions and tariffs were later lifted.
"Two countries run by two gentlemen in their eighties must speak with great maturity," Lula stressed.