Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

“I don't need arms, and neither does anyone else... At the very least, a ban would prevent fights from turning deadly.”

“The thing is that we live in a presidential system with a parliamentary constitution. Congress has a lot of weight in Brazil, and the president cannot always do when he wants; he does what he can.”

“Brazil does not want to become an exporter of crude oil. No. We want to be a country that exports oil byproducts - more gasoline, high-quality oil - and to strengthen the petrochemical industry.”

“My greatest desire is that the hope that has overcome fear in my country will help vanquish it around the world.”

“I took office as president in January 2003, and in April 2003, I sent to Congress my first proposal for tax reform. Some parts were voted on, with respect to federal taxes, and then it came to a standstill. Why? Because each state is interested in its own tax reform, has its own tax policy, and each state has its federal deputies and senators.”

“I learned during my term and in the presidency that we should not discuss about assumptions or insinuations. If one day I have to do something against the U.S., the first one to get to know what I was going to do would be the president of the U.S.”

“Brazil has rediscovered itself, and this rediscovery is being expressed in its people's enthusiasm and their desire to mobilize to face the huge problems that lie ahead of us.”

“I have stated publicly, I want the same things for Iran that I want for Brazil. I want them to use and develop their nuclear energy for peaceful means.”

“It is a coup because while the Brazilian Constitution allows for impeachment, it's necessary for the person to have committed what we call high crimes and misdemeanors. And President Dilma did not commit a high crime nor misdemeanor. Therefore, what is happening is an attempt by some to take power by disrespecting the popular vote.”

“Since 1990, we have been building up the idea that democracy is the best way for sectors that feel socially excluded from politics to win power.”

“A war can perhaps be won single-handedly. But peace - lasting peace - cannot be secured without the support of all.”

“No one has to agree with everything that someone else says. But in state-to-state relations, we have to understand that we can help each other much more doing it that way. We have to be more generous.”

“No one can reap the fruit before planting the trees.”

“Brazil is a country that has rich people, as you have in New York City, as you have in Berlin or in London. But we also have poor people like in Bangladesh or in African suburbs.”

“Free trade is very important if we respect equality among nations.”

“In my opinion, the Doha Round is the most important thing that we can do to reduce inequalities, create opportunities, and develop the poorest countries, face up to the struggle against terrorism and strengthen democracy.”

“It is important to remember that I am not in the G-8; I am just an invited guest.”

“Venezuela needs to develop; economic growth is essential for the country after so many years of lagging behind.”

“I know what unemployment means because I was unemployed for one-and-a-half years, and I know the drama that the worker and unemployed worker faces. I know the world of the labor union better than I think anyone else does.”

“Here in Davos, it is generally assumed that there is now only one god - the market.”