Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s leftist president, is reportedly against Venezuela’s entry into the BRICS economic bloc, a position that stems largely from the recent fraudulent presidential election held in Venezuela on July 28. Reports indicate that Lula’s opposition is influenced by the regime of Nicolás Maduro, who has faced allegations of electoral misconduct. This growing discontent reflects a complex balance within BRICS, an anti-American coalition comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which is currently exploring the inclusion of additional countries during its ongoing annual meeting in Kazan, Russia.
Lula planned to speak at the BRICS summit in person but had to cancel after sustaining a significant head injury, opting instead to participate via videoconference. The BRICS coalition—known for its anti-U.S. sentiment—has recently expanded by inviting new members like Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, among others. Notably, Javier Milei of Argentina, a staunch anti-communist, declined the invitation, and Saudi Arabia’s membership remains undecided, creating uncertainty around the group’s future composition and objectives.
Venezuela, under Maduro’s leadership, seeks a place within this bloc, marking a notable point of contention amidst internal discussions. Lula’s foreign policy adviser, Celso Amorim, explicitly voiced opposition to Venezuela’s admission during an interview, emphasizing the importance of strategic criteria for expansion. He suggested that BRICS should prioritize nations capable of contributing meaningfully to the coalition, as incorporating countries indiscriminately could dilute the group’s effectiveness and coherence.
According to reports from CNN Brasil, Brazil might consider vetoing Venezuela’s bid for BRICS membership largely due to the Maduro government’s stance in the disputed election. Brazil has pressured Venezuela for transparency regarding the election results, which Maduro has not provided. This situation puts Brazilian diplomacy in a precarious position; a formal veto could strain Brazil-Venezuela relations while also facing pressure from China, Russia, and Iran—countries that support Venezuela’s accession.
Lula has a historically complicated relationship with Venezuelan leadership. Previously, he maintained close ties with Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez, but has shown signs of distancing himself from Maduro in light of the controversial election results. Lula, along with other prominent leftist leaders in Latin America, has publicly recognized the dubious nature of the election outcomes, escalating tensions not only within the region but also within BRICS regarding Maduro’s legitimacy as a leader.
The Brazilian government has seemingly adopted a policy of damage control concerning its relationship with Venezuela following the problematic election. Reports indicate that Lula may not even attend Maduro’s inauguration if successful in the upcoming presidential elections. Simultaneously, Maduro has attempted to strengthen Venezuela’s position within BRICS by touting the country’s vast oil and agricultural resources, aiming to leverage these assets for support from BRICS nations, illustrating his broader strategy for international engagement. The unfolding dynamics signal a significant shift in regional alliances and interests, reflecting the complexities of power, legitimacy, and economic collaboration in multipolar global politics.
