Brazil’s Temer at UN Decries Rise in Nationalism, Protectionism

Brazilian President Michel Temer criticized a rise in nationalism around the world and said in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that protectionism was not the solution to economic difficulties faced by countries.

Temer also expressed concern about the deterioration of human rights in Venezuela, where the socialist government has been accused by opponents of becoming a dictatorship, Reuters reported.

“We are on the side of the Venezuelan people. In South America there is no more room for alternatives to democracy,” Temer said.

Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, was emerging from its worst recession and the government was making progress in controlling its budget deficit and restoring credibility to economic policies, Temer said in the speech.

With food exports driving the recovery of the agribusiness powerhouse, Temer called for improved market access for farm goods and the elimination of agricultural subsidies that distort trade.