EU leaders must demand a fair, democratic presidential election from the Brazilian government following a controversial court ruling against ex-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, according to GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer MEP.

“First Dilma Rousseff is unlawfully removed from office by the right-wing, corrupt elite around Michel Temer. Now the most popular presidential candidate, Lula da Silva, is being obstructed and removed from the race,” Zimmer said.

“Of course, all forms of corruption must be combated and prosecuted by the judiciary, but the judiciary must not make political decisions,” she said, adding that the verdict against Lula da Silva “seems politically motivated, and directed especially against the poor and disadvantaged in Brazil.”

“The government of Michel Temer, who faces his own allegations of corruption alongside several of his ministers, must be content. But the real beneficiary could be the right-wing populist Bolsonaro, who has already spoken positively about the military dictatorship. For a long time, Brazilian politics has been entangled with the judiciary, making independent procedures seem almost impossible. Bringing Lula da Silva to trial will have far-reaching political consequences for Brazil and will further undermine confidence in the democratic system. EU leaders must demand a fair, democratic presidential election from the Brazilian government.”