Lula Unveils Rio Crime Pilot as Election Battle Heats Up
Brazil's President Lula launched a pilot plan to expand federal involvement in fighting organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, a key voter concern before October's election.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Friday introduced a pilot initiative to broaden the federal government's participation in combating organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, elevating a central concern for voters before October's presidential election.
The plan builds on existing joint operations involving federal, state and municipal authorities along Rio's main highways and in selected areas. It emphasizes greater intelligence sharing, coordinated policing and inspections.
Efforts will focus on the state's key logistics corridors to counter cargo theft and the trafficking of weapons and drugs, while also targeting the financial networks that sustain criminal organizations.
"This is a new beginning to create a new template for public security in this country," Lula said. "God wanted us to begin with Rio de Janeiro, because if it works in Rio, it will work across the country."
Lula addressed questions about why his administration had not acted sooner on public security, noting that most such responsibilities have rested with state governments since the 1988 Constitution — a division he described as a mistake his government now seeks to correct.
Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula's main rival and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, along with U.S. President Donald Trump, have accused Lula of doing too little to curb criminal groups that control large parts of Rio and remote regions such as the Amazon.
Some observers say Lula's government accelerated its anti-crime efforts after Rio's deadliest police operation last year, in which more than 120 people were killed. Subsequent polls showed a rise in then-Gov. Claudio Castro's approval rating and strong support for the deadly raid.
In May, Lula launched a $2 billion anti-organized crime project that included strengthening the fight against arms trafficking, attacking the finances of criminal organizations, improving homicide investigations and investing in the prison system.
On Friday, Lula again criticized Trump's decision earlier this year to designate the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and the Red Command (CV) as foreign terrorist organizations. He said that while the groups terrorize local populations, they are not terrorist organizations because they seek profit rather than political change.
Some analysts and politicians have said the designation of the PCC and CV is an attempt to meddle in Brazil's crucial election by making Lula appear soft on crime.