Can you tell when a leader’s words don’t match their actions? That’s exactly what we’re witnessing with Brazil’s federal government right now. On one hand, we have Rio de Janeiro drowning in an unprecedented security crisis, with narco-terrorism controlling entire territories. On the other hand, we see military resources being mobilized to ensure security for an international event.

Moreover, this contradiction becomes even more obvious when we analyze President Lula’s recent statements and actions. Let’s understand this story that’s dividing opinions and exposing a political hypocrisy that’s hard to ignore.

The Chaos in Rio de Janeiro and Federal Refusal

In late October 2025, Rio de Janeiro experienced one of the most violent episodes in its recent history. The mega-operation against the Red Command (Comando Vermelho) in the Alemão and Penha Complexes resulted in over 121 deaths, making it the deadliest police operation ever recorded in the state.

Faced with this apocalyptic scenario, Governor Cláudio Castro (PL) sought support from the federal government. However, according to his own words, three requests were denied for the use of military armored vehicles and Armed Forces equipment. The justification? To lend military equipment, it would be necessary to decree the Guarantee of Law and Order (GLO).

What Is GLO and Why Does It Matter?

For those unfamiliar with the term, GLO is a constitutional mechanism that allows the president to authorize the use of the Armed Forces in public security activities. In other words, the military temporarily gains police powers to act in serious situations.

It turns out that President Lula had already publicly stated that he would not decree GLO during his administration. This ideological stance, therefore, became a barrier preventing Rio de Janeiro from receiving necessary support in fighting organized crime.

The “Narco-Terrorism” Question the Government Denies

Meanwhile, another important debate emerged: classifying the Red Command and PCC as narco-terrorist organizations. Governor Castro used this term when describing attacks with bomb-equipped drones against security forces.

However, Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski was categorical in stating that the federal government has “no intention” of making this classification. The official argument is that terrorism requires ideological motivation, something that criminal factions allegedly lack.

Why Does This Classification Matter?

Classifying these organizations as narco-terrorists would have significant practical consequences:

• Harsher penalties for members of these factions
• Greater international cooperation in fighting organized crime
• Access to resources and specific counter-terrorism technologies
• Possibility of more robust intervention by federal forces

Nevertheless, the Lula government resists this change, citing concerns about country risk and possible sovereignty violations by foreign powers.

The Surprising Turn: GLO for COP30

Now comes the part that really exposes the contradiction. Just days after denying military support to Rio de Janeiro, President Lula signed a decree authorizing GLO in Belém to ensure security for COP30, the UN climate conference taking place in November 2025.

Consequently, more than 8,000 soldiers were mobilized to protect foreign delegations and critical infrastructure between November 2nd and 23rd. The measure includes the municipalities of Belém, Altamira, and Tucuruí, all in the state of Pará.

Questionable Priorities

This decision raises uncomfortable questions about the federal government’s priorities:

1. Why does the security of foreign diplomats deserve GLO, but the Rio de Janeiro population doesn’t?
2. Is the government’s international image worth more than Brazilian lives?
3. Was the rhetoric against GLO just to deny support to opposition governors?

Furthermore, the situation becomes even more controversial when we consider the complete context.

Luxury While the People Suffer

As if the contradiction about GLO wasn’t enough, another controversial element emerges: the presidential accommodation during COP30. Lula is staying on the luxury yacht Iana 3, a vessel that consumes between 120 and 150 liters of diesel per hour when navigating.

The Symbolism of the Yacht

Let’s be honest: there’s something deeply symbolic about a president who denies security to a population terrorized by narco-terrorism but comfortably lodges on a luxury yacht while decreeing GLO to protect foreign visitors.

By the way, the Iana 3 yacht belongs to a businessman with a history of million-dollar contracts with the Amazonas state government and has already been the target of investigations regarding irregular use in political campaigns. The estimated rental cost is around R$ 450,000, according to sources close to the government.

Public Perception Versus Official Discourse

While the federal government criticizes the Rio operation as a “massacre,” data shows a different reality. An AtlasIntel survey revealed that 55% of Brazilians supported the police action. Even more impressive: in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, this number rises to 87%.

Thus, it’s clear there’s a chasm between the Planalto Palace’s discourse and the sentiment of the population that actually lives under organized crime oppression.

What Real Victims Say

While the president said he was “shocked” by the criminals killed in confrontation, there wasn’t a single word about Bárbara Elisa, a young teacher killed by narco-terrorism in Rio. Not a note of condolence. Not a gesture of solidarity.

On the other hand, the police officers killed in the operation depended on a crowdfunding campaign organized by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, which raised over R$ 1.1 million to support their families. The State, which should protect its agents, left this responsibility in the hands of civil society.

Political and Social Implications

This contradiction isn’t just a matter of logistics or administrative decisions. We’re talking about deliberate political choices that reveal much about this government’s true priorities.

What’s at Stake

• The credibility of official discourse on public security
• The population’s trust in federal institutions
• The strengthening of criminal factions that feel shielded
• Growing political polarization in the country

What’s more, this situation is likely to directly impact the 2026 elections, as public security has become one of Brazilians’ main concerns.

The Future of Public Security in Brazil

While the federal government refuses to classify organized crime as narco-terrorism and denies military support to states, the National Congress advances with bills that could change this scenario. Bill 1283/2025, authored by Congressman Danilo Forte, proposes expanding the Anti-Terrorism Law to include factions that dominate territories.

Therefore, it’s possible this change will happen regardless of the Executive’s will, which would represent a significant political defeat for the Lula government.

The Organized Crime Congressional Investigation

The Federal Senate created the Organized Crime Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) with 11 full members, including Flávio Bolsonaro and Sergio Moro. The commission will investigate the structure of factions, possible operational failures, and even complicity of public agents.

Without a doubt, this investigation promises to bring to light information that could be extremely embarrassing for the federal government.

Conclusion: An Unsustainable Hypocrisy

In the end, what we see is a political contradiction that doesn’t hold up under any rational analysis. There’s no way to justify refusing GLO to combat narco-terrorism in Rio de Janeiro while decreeing GLO to protect an international event.

In summary, this situation exposes the government’s true priorities: international image, personal comfort, and protection of political allies are worth more than the security and well-being of the Brazilian population.

The Rio de Janeiro population, especially residents of communities dominated by organized crime, remain hostages to violence that the State refuses to adequately confront. Meanwhile, the president comfortably sails on his luxury yacht, distant from the real problems afflicting the Brazilian people.