Lula's trips cost R$45 million between rent and interpreters

With Lula gone to China, Alkmín takes over the presidency

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) has spent at least R$45 million on international travel since the beginning of his term, according to data obtained by GLOBO via the Access to Information Law. The Labor MP has already visited 21 countries during the first eight months of his government.

Expenses vary between accommodation and daily fees paid to the delegations that accompanied him. Furthermore, initially unforeseen additional expenses amount to R$16.6 million.

Expenses include renting a support room (about R$3.2 million), vehicles (about R$12 million), hiring interpreters (about R$875,000) and other miscellaneous expenses, such as office supplies, coffee and water rentals and even a flower crown (about R$628). . R$ 1,000), in addition to the rental of coffee breaks, cocktail parties and receptions (at a cost of R$ 230,000).

The most expensive move was to China, at a total cost of R$6.7 million. Lula had visited the Asian country last April, on a three-day trip, to attend the inauguration ceremony of former President Dilma Rousseff as head of the BRICS Bank. Total additional expenses for this trip amounted to R$2.5 million, of which approximately R$134,000 was on cocktail service; R$996,000 for car rental, plus R$425,000 for the interpreter.

In second place among the most expensive trips is the transfer to Portugal and Spain, also in April, at a cost of R$ 5.9 million. On this occasion, the Heads of State received Lula and participated in the award of the Camões Prize to composer Chico Buarque.

The item that tops the expenditure is accommodation, with a total cost of R$15.8 million (35% of the total).

R$5 million was spent on the company card, which is usually used for food and other extra expenses.

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) maintains secrecy regarding the cost of transportation on board the official aircraft.

According to the new poll conducted by the National CNT between September 27 and October 1, a majority of voters (44.7%) believe he should stay in Brazil longer, but a large proportion (39%) believe he was traveling in Brazil. The amount is “suitable for Brazil’s interests.” Another part, 8.8%, says he has not traveled much and should promote Brazil more.