Lula: BRICS Not Seeking to Challenge US, G7, G20
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil shared his perspectives on the BRICS economic bloc, emphasizing that it is not seeking to challenge the G7, G20, or the United States. Instead, the goal is to organize themselves and become a multilateral institution. Lula also expressed his support for the expansion of the BRICS bloc and Argentina joining the group. South Africa, the host of this year’s BRICS summit, has received formal applications from 23 countries to join the group. However, there have been some discrepancies with the list of applicants.
Main breakdowns:
- BRICS economic bloc is not rivaling the G7, G20, or the United States
- Goal is to organize themselves and become a multilateral institution
- Support for the expansion of the BRICS bloc and Argentina joining
- 23 countries have formally applied to join BRICS, but some discrepancies in the list
- Over 40 heads of state participating in the summit
Lula has long criticized the dominance of the US dollar and advocates for countries to use their own currencies. He also supports the idea of a unified BRICS currency to reduce reliance on the USD.
Hot Take:
Lula’s perspective highlights the cooperative nature of the BRICS economic bloc and its focus on organizing themselves rather than challenging existing global powers. The support for expansion and a potential unified currency showcases the bloc’s ambition to reduce vulnerability and promote alternative payment options.