Lula da Silva says: “We must not remain silent, but must lay bare the facts and identify the far right as a real threat to democracy.” Democracy is not a goal that has been achieved, but something that is rebuilt every day – through elections, rights and social services, he says. We must replace discouragement with hope; progressive politics stands for social justice and genuine equality. Turning to his own personal story, he describes the 21 years he spent as a worker in a poor region and speaks of his mother, who made sure he had opportunities despite their poverty. That is why he is dedicated to freedom, peace and free trade rather than protectionism. In the face of numerous armed conflicts worldwide, he calls for clear condemnation of violence and a steadfast commitment to peace. -nk

Katrin Rulle

Brazilian President Lula da Silva focuses his criticism on the real centres of power: large corporations and a small number of billionaires who control the bulk of the world’s wealth, pay too little taxes and exploit workers. Inequality is not a fact, it is a political choice, he says. We must counter this with a clear principle, Lula says: politics must always stand on the side of the people, and this struggle must be waged on a global scale. -fw

Katrin Rulle