Meanwhile, Brazil prepares to host COP 30 in Belém, an international conference on climate change. However, the event’s backstage reveals alarming contradictions. Additionally, exorbitant public spending and controversial choices raise serious questions about the federal government’s priorities.

After all, how can one defend the environment while staying in a luxury yacht that burns thousands of liters of diesel? In this way, we need to critically analyze what’s happening behind the scenes of the “COP of truth.”

The $1,000 Per Day Yacht: Luxury at Taxpayers’ Expense

First of all, President Lula’s accommodation choice immediately sparked controversy. Consequently, the president rejected a Navy ship offered by the government and opted for the Iana 3, a private luxury yacht.

According to official information, the government rented the vessel from Icotur Transportation and Tourism company. Additionally, the revealed cost is R$ 2,647 per person, per day. Therefore, for the presidential couple alone, the daily cost exceeds R$ 5,400 (approximately $1,000).

Convenient Secrecy

Curiously, the Presidential Palace keeps the vessel’s complete contract under wraps until the end of the term. Ironically, Lula constantly criticized Bolsonaro for lack of transparency. Now, however, he adopts exactly the same stance he condemned.

In this sense, the government doesn’t reveal:

• First of all, the total contract value for renting the yacht
• Moreover, how many people from the presidential entourage are staying aboard
• Additionally, which luxury services are included in the package
• Finally, whether there’s any environmental compensation method for thousands of liters of burned diesel

It’s worth noting that the opposition has already contacted the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) and the Attorney General’s Office (PGR). In this way, investigators seek to clarify possible irregularities in the contracting.

Environmental Hypocrisy: Pollution at the Climate Conference

Certainly, the most glaring contradiction is environmental. After all, the Iana 3 operates with diesel engines, a highly polluting fossil fuel. Consequently, the vessel burns hundreds of liters daily to maintain basic operations.

Ironically, Lula declared in October that he “didn’t want luxury” and would participate in the “COP of truth.” However, his actions completely contradict his speech. Therefore, while the president advocates strict environmental policies, his accommodation significantly contributes to carbon emissions.

Speech vs. Reality

In his own words, Lula previously stated: “I want to sleep on the boat. Because I don’t want luxury, I want to come participate in this COP because this COP must be the COP of truth.”

However, reality shows a three-deck yacht with five-star hotel characteristics. In this way, the president chose comfort and luxury while preaching austerity and environmental awareness for the rest of the country.

Additionally, there’s no information about environmental compensation. Therefore, carbon emissions from this luxurious accommodation simply happen without counterbalance. Consequently, this damages the credibility of Brazil’s entire climate discourse.

Belém: Violence Hidden Under the Rug

Meanwhile, the city chosen to host COP 30 faces serious public security problems. Although the state government announces crime reductions, reality on the streets tells another story.

According to the Crossfire Institute report, the first half of 2025 recorded an alarming increase in armed violence in Belém. In this regard, noteworthy points include:

• First of all, Belém led the ranking with 91 deaths in shootings
• Moreover, Ananindeua registered 52 fatal victims
• Additionally, Marituba counted 30 deaths from armed violence
• Finally, four elderly people died – a 33% increase compared to the previous year

Surprisingly, studies completely diverge on the city’s security. While government surveys classify Belém among the safest capitals, the Brazilian Public Security Forum places it in eighth position among the most violent.

Does the Yacht Choice Make Sense Now?

In this way, Lula’s choice of a private yacht gains new perspective. Certainly, staying at a hotel in the city would mean facing Belém’s street reality. On the other hand, staying isolated on a vessel at the Naval Base offers maximum security.

Consequently, the question arises: did the president avoid hotels because of exorbitant prices or city insecurity? After all, hotel prices for COP 30 reached R$ 2 million per property during the event period.

Comparison with Bolsonaro: Army Barracks vs. Luxury Yachts

Inevitably, comparison with the previous government becomes relevant. During his term, Jair Bolsonaro frequently stayed at Brazilian Army barracks during official trips.

Certainly, this choice generated criticism from the left, which accused Bolsonaro of excessively militarizing the government. However, from a financial perspective, it represented significant savings to public coffers.

On the other hand, Lula chooses a private luxury yacht, with daily costs exceeding R$ 5,000 for the presidential couple alone. Moreover, the complete contract remains confidential, preventing total expense analysis.

Two Standards, Two Weights

Meanwhile, the discourse changes according to the government. When Bolsonaro used public resources controversially, the opposition attacked fiercely. Now, however, when Lula makes questionable choices, many of the same critics remain silent.

Therefore, the remaining question is: which criterion really matters? Is it political ideology or good public resource management?

Overwhelming Spending: Brazil Heading Toward Bankruptcy?

Additionally, COP 30 spending far exceeds the presidential accommodation issue. In fact, the event represents monumental costs for a country facing serious fiscal difficulties.

First of all, the government built three high-end hotels especially for the event. Moreover, it contracted two cruise ships to serve as floating hotels, with approximately 6,000 beds available.

Additionally, it carried out massive infrastructure works:

• First of all, expansion of Belém airport with R$ 450 million investment
• Moreover, reforms at Outeiro Port
• Additionally, restoration works of historical heritage sites
• Consequently, hiring special security scheme with GLO (Law and Order Guarantee)
• Finally, mobilization of Armed Forces to protect the event

A Broken Country Financing International Luxury

Meanwhile, Brazil faces growing fiscal deficit. Additionally, millions of Brazilians struggle against inflation and unemployment. However, the government prioritizes an international event full of luxuries and questionable spending.

Certainly, the temporary transfer of the federal capital to Belém also generates additional costs. In this way, the entire structure of three branches of government needs to relocate, creating enormous operational and logistical expenses.

Therefore, while ordinary citizens tighten their belts, the government spends unprecedentedly on a two-week event. Consequently, many question whether these priorities really benefit the Brazilian population.

Trump Says No: The Diplomatic Embarrassment

Besides everything, another significant blow came from the White House. After all, Donald Trump officially confirmed he won’t participate in COP 30. Moreover, he won’t send any high-level representatives to the event.

According to Trump administration sources, the decision reflects his stance against multilateral climate agreements. Additionally, the American president classified climate change as “the world’s biggest hoax.”

Consequently, this is the first time in more than three decades that the United States won’t have high-level participation in a UN climate conference.

Why Did Trump Refuse?

First of all, Trump maintains his policy of withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement. Moreover, he argues that climate commitments harm the American economy and favor countries like China.

Additionally, the Trump government prioritizes fossil fuels and energy autonomy. Therefore, participating in a conference focused on energy transition completely contradicts his political agenda.

Finally, for his conservative base, refusing COP 30 reinforces his image of confronting “globalism” and multilateral organizations. In this way, Trump consolidates his national sovereignty discourse.

The Danger of Defending Maduro: US Relations at Risk

However, another serious problem threatens Brazil’s international relations. After all, Lula decided to participate in the Celac-EU summit in Colombia specifically to express “solidarity” with Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela.

According to Foreign Relations Minister Mauro Vieira, Lula will provide regional support to Venezuela. Consequently, this happens precisely when the US intensifies military actions in the Caribbean against the Venezuelan regime.

Terrible Timing and Serious Consequences

First of all, Trump has already authorized CIA operations in Venezuela. Moreover, he sent ground troops, submarines, and military ships to the region. Additionally, the American government bombed vessels in the Caribbean under the justification of combating drug trafficking.

In this context, Lula decided to publicly defend Maduro. Consequently, this happens exactly when Brazil tries to negotiate with the US about the “tariff hike” affecting Brazilian products.

Therefore, experts question: how can we expect trade concessions from the US while Brazil defends a leader Trump considers a terrorist organization chief?

Maduro: Ally or Dead Weight?

Additionally, the Venezuelan regime faces extremely serious international accusations:

• First of all, electoral fraud without presenting voting records
• Moreover, systematic violations of human rights
• Additionally, international drug trafficking (Cartel de los Soles)
• Consequently, classification as terrorist organization by the US
• Finally, humanitarian crisis that expelled millions of Venezuelans from the country

However, Lula insists on diplomatically supporting Maduro. In this way, Brazil isolates itself internationally and damages vital negotiations with the United States.

Therefore, defending the Venezuelan dictator may cost much more than the government imagines. Consequently, Brazilian business owners already show concern about American commercial retaliation.

The Real Impact: Who Pays the Bill?

Inevitably, all these decisions have a common denominator: the Brazilian taxpayer pays the bill. Meanwhile, the government makes questionable choices that benefit few and cost much.

First of all, the luxury yacht comes from public coffers. Moreover, the billion-dollar works for COP 30 use tax money. Additionally, diplomatic consequences will affect Brazilian exports and jobs.

Inverted Priorities

Meanwhile, Brazil faces urgent challenges:

• First of all, public health system collapsed in many regions
• Moreover, basic education with poor results in international assessments
• Additionally, precarious infrastructure compromising productivity
• Consequently, urban violence claiming thousands of lives annually
• Finally, unemployment and informality affecting millions of families

However, the government prioritizes a two-week international event with monumental spending. Consequently, many Brazilians question whether these resources wouldn’t make more difference in essential areas.

COP 30: Climate Event or Political Showroom?

Finally, we need to question: what’s the real objective of COP 30? Certainly, it doesn’t seem to be austerity or environmental example.

After all, how does an event about climate change justify luxurious accommodations on polluting yachts? Additionally, how can one defend sustainability while burning thousands of liters of diesel daily?

Moreover, how can one demand environmental sacrifices from the population while authorities enjoy comfort and luxury? Therefore, Brazilian environmental discourse credibility suffers severe damage.

The Example That Doesn’t Come From Above

Consequently, world leaders observe these contradictions. Additionally, the United States’ absence significantly weakens the event. Finally, defending Maduro further isolates Brazil internationally.

In this way, COP 30 risks becoming more of a political event than a serious climate conference. Therefore, experts already predict results below initial expectations.

Final Reflection: Whom Does This Event Serve?

Ultimately, we need to honestly question: whom does COP 30 serve in its current form? Certainly, not the Brazilians who will pay the bill for decades.

First of all, the event serves the international image of political leaders. Moreover, it benefits companies contracted for works and services. Additionally, it promotes controversial ideological agendas like defending dictatorships.

However, for ordinary Brazilian citizens, the benefits remain nebulous. Consequently, while billions are spent on a two-week event, the country’s chronic problems continue without solution.

Finally, the contradictions are too glaring to be ignored. After all, a leader who preaches austerity but chooses luxury, who defends the environment but pollutes without compensation, who seeks international relations but supports dictators – does this leader deserve our trust?

And you, what do you think about these contradictions? Do you believe COP 30 spending is justifiable? Do you agree with choosing a luxury yacht for the “COP of truth”? How do you assess Lula’s support for Maduro while negotiating with Trump? Share your opinion in the comments – after all, you’re the one paying this bill.