MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lula's inauguration to be attended by 17 heads of state

It would be the inauguration with the largest presence of heads of state since Brazil's return to democratic rule

Brazil's Foreign Ministry Wednesday confirmed that 17 heads of state will be attending Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's third presidential inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023.

Ambassador Fernando Igreja, who is in charge of the arrangements, said that the heads of state of Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Guinea Bissau, Paraguay, Portugal, Suriname, East Timor, Germany, Spain, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe are to convene at Brasilia for the occasion, which would make it the inauguration with the largest presence of heads of state since Brazil's return to democratic rule.

Igreja did not rule out an even larger number. “Itamaraty is still receiving confirmations,” he said.

Regarding the United States, Igreja pointed out that there was still no indication from the American embassy about who should attend the inauguration, but there are hopes Vice-President Kamala Harris makes the trip.

Contrary to preliminary reports, Igreja also admitted that the use of the Rolls Royce traditionally used for the open-car parade on the President's inauguration day is not ruled out.

“The car should be available to the Federal Police soon for an evaluation of the car's condition and whether it will be used or not. The Federal Police will say if it can be used,” Igreja explained.

Mexico, Costa Rica, and Türkiye have already confirmed they would be sending their foreign ministers to Lula's inauguration.

(Source: Agencia Brasil)