The new president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s decision to repeal some of the main laws facilitating the fight against mining in his native land and to re-establish the Amazon Fund was accepted by foreign delegations as the new government’s first foreign policy action. The initiatives were still interpreted within Itamaraty as a sign that Brazil’s involvement abroad after four years of isolation would come through a reassessment of its role in the climate debate.

In the weeks before he took office, Lula was advised to take measures that could shock international credibility, launching an effort to end four years of isolation from Brazil and international distrust.

Therefore, on his first day in office, Lula rescinded the decree created by Bolsonaro that allowed “artisanal mining” on local lands and environmental protection zones. The measure has been condemned by activists, environmentalists and foreign governments as a way to legalize mining.

The decision to start the rebuilding of the National Environment Council, disbanded by Bolsonaro in 2019, was also greeted as a positive sign. The former president had decided to vacate all councils that could count on the participation of civil society.

Some of these laws Bolsonaro enacted were condemned by organizations such as the UN, human rights groups and even the International Criminal Court. In Europe, for example, mining on indigenous soils was seen as a barrier to even any trade deal with Brazil.

Therefore, Bolsonaro’s repeal of these attempts was widely applauded by foreign governments.

Lula also fulfilled the promise made at the UN Climate Conference to re-establish the End of the Amazon. But his decision to announce it on his first day in office was seen as a sign that Lula knew that the climate issue would determine Brazil’s international reintegration.

This weekend, Germany confirmed that Marina Silva will resume payments to the Amazon Fund with an initial symbolic deposit of 35m euros for immediate use by the new Ministry of the Environment.

Lula’s decision to include Chief Raoni among the Brazilians who marched with him on the Planalto Palace ramp and even handed over the presidential sash received international applause.

Raoni was harassed by Bolsonaro in a speech he made at the UN, while the head of state of European governments was awarded the Order of Honor. For foreign diplomats interviewed by UOL, the gesture marks a turning point and a new moment in the country’s image abroad.

hugs and contacts

Among the foreign delegations, there were many who commented on how Lula was careful to listen, embrace, and even listen to the secrets of foreign delegations, especially South American heads of state.

Lula will devote a large part of his schedule to hosting international leaders on his first business day this Monday. According to Celso Amorim, one of Lula’s top advisers, the presence and record of inauguration of more than 70 foreign delegations demonstrates genuine trust in relations with the new Brazilian government. That’s why Lula’s message “Brazil is back” is already resonating around the world.