MEPs Sandra Pereira (PCP, Portugal), José Gusmão (BE, Portugal) and Helmut Scholz (DIE LINKE, Germany) are in São Paulo, Brazil to take part in the 7th National Congress of the Workers’ Party starting tomorrow.

A meeting is scheduled with former Brazilian President Lula da Silva where they hope to convey solidarity with his struggle and the struggle of all Brazilians against Bolsonaro’s attacks on democracy. President Lula was recently released from detention but is still fighting to clear his name in face of attempts by Brazil’s elite to have him locked. He was prevented from running in the last presidential election as a result.

The Congress will also be an opportunity for the MEPs to connect with progressive forces in Brazil on issues of common concern such as the Mercosur agreement and the climate emergency.

The theme of the Congress is Lula Livre, a campaign which GUE/NGL has wholeheartedly supported and brought to the European Parliament.