Lula becomes 20th head of state honored by French Academy
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was honored by the French Academy in Paris this Thursday (Jun. 5).
“I consider this honor a recognition of Brazil and the Brazilian people. We receive it with great gratitude and pride,” Lula wrote on social media.
Founded in 1635, the French Academy has honored only 19 other heads of state in its nearly 400-year history. Before Lula, the only Brazilian to receive this distinction was Emperor Dom Pedro II, in 1872. The institution holds significant influence over French culture and, in addition to regulating the French language, bestows awards across various fields.
In honor of the Brazilian president, of the French Academy examined the word “multilateralismo”—which implies sovereign equality among nations—even though the term has yet to be included in the institution’s official dictionary.
“The great innovation introduced after 1945 is captured in the suffix ‘-ism’ added to the word ‘multilateral.’ This ending reflects not just a description of reality, but an intention to shape it,” Lula said in a speech at the Academy.
The Brazilian president is a firm advocate of multilateralism—an approach in which countries work together to find collective solutions to shared challenges, such as the climate emergency, global trade, and armed conflicts.
“Multilateralism played a crucial role in the decolonization process, the banning of chemical and biological weapons, the advancement of human rights, the promotion of free trade, environmental protection, and the resolution of numerous global conflicts. Unfortunately, we are forgetting these lessons,” stated the Brazilian president.
“Maintaining islands of peace and prosperity amid a sea of violence and misery is unsustainable,” Lula emphasized, as he addressed current global conflicts.
The president emphasized the need to reinforce democratic institutions domestically and promote multilateralism on the global stage.
“They are two sides of the same worldview, based on dialogue and respect for plurality,” he noted.
Brazilian community
Following the ceremony, Lula met with of the Brazilian community in at Paris City Hall, invited by Mayor Anne Hidalgo. He also spoke about the tribute at the French Academy during the gathering.
“I was proud because I am a citizen who is not an academic; I do not have a university degree. I have a primary education and a technical course from Senai in Brazil. I am a mechanical lathe operator by profession, and I am proud to have contributed a word to enrich the French dictionary—the word ‘multilateralism.’ Everyone knew what ‘multilateral’ meant, but not ‘multilateralism.’ We were the ones who added the ‘-ism’ to that word,” Lula said in a speech at the meeting.
The president emphasized the achievements of his istrations, including expanding access to higher education and lifting Brazil off the Hunger Map, while also reaffirming his commitment to Brazilian democracy.
“Many people say that parliamentarism would be better for Brazil, but I would never be elected prime minister by the National Congress. So, my only chance is to be chosen by the people’s vote,” he said.
“That is why I am the only Brazilian to have served three as President, each time directly elected by the people. This fills me with pride as I travel the world fighting against inequality,” he added.
For President Lula, it is essential to “provide the world with responsible politicians,” since only the State can ensure opportunities for all.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo described Lula as a “living legend of a legendary country,” highlighting that he has drawn his “exceptional strength” from his deep indignation toward poverty.
“In this feeling—still intact, always alive, and forever driven by the rejection of injustice, the kind that afflicts the anonymous, the humble, those who deserve it most: the landless and the exploited in a society marked by inequality,” said Hidalgo.
“You have dedicated your life to them—a life of combat, struggle, comion, political and union activism, and attentive listening. When they had no voice, you chose to speak on their behalf so they could finally be heard,” she stated.
Among those attending the meeting were Brazilians Lélia Salgado, widow of photographer Sebastião Salgado, and Ana Lúcia Paiva, daughter of Eunice Paiva and former congressman Rubens Paiva, who was killed by Brazil’s military dictatorship. Both women reside in .
Lula is on an official state visit to the European country, with several activities scheduled through next Tuesday (10).
On Thursday morning (5), the president was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron, and together they signed 20 bilateral agreements covering health, public safety, education, science, and technology.
