A reality check for Lula’s promised inclusion

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s return to Brazil’s top job stemmed partially from societal demands for a leader with basic respect for people, manners, and diversity qualities sorely lacking in the previous administration. This need was skillfully leveraged during his campaign, crafting an image of his government as being one of inclusivity and representation.

However, nearly 250 days into his presidency, the reality many envisioned during the election appears to have veered off course.

It began with the replacement of two female ministers in his cabinet with male counterparts more aligned with the “Big Center,” a group of conservative rentier political parties driven more by personal interest than ideology. This move drew sharp criticism, with Lula asserting that gender and race were not significant factors in his cabinet selections — an assertion that only fueled further controversy.

Adding to the growing unease, during the recent trial concerning indigenous land rights, Lula’s reluctance to schedule a proper meeting with indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire last month, who stood beside him during his inauguration, contradicts the symbolism of his supposedly inclusive government.

The most recent incident happened this week, during an interview following hip surgery, Lula proclaimed that the public would only see him well-dressed and looking good, and not using a walking frame or crutches. This statement was met with accusations of ableism by the media, further eroding his standing among minorities and the groups he was meant to represent.

Is Lula, in his pursuit of allies in an opposition-dominated landscape, inadvertently shooting himself in the foot? Could his obsession with avoiding missteps be leading him in the opposite direction of his intended course? Only time will tell.

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