I am the President of Brazil

In the third week of March, Gustavo Andrade was faced with a critical and urgent problem: a worrying increase in fires in the Amazon. In addition, statements from foreign leaders began to emerge, insinuating that the Amazon should not belong only to Brazil, but to the world. French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the most vocal, suggesting that the Amazon was a "global heritage" and should be protected by all countries.

Gustavo, disturbed by these statements, knew he needed to act quickly. Brazil's sovereignty was being questioned and, at the same time, the environment was under attack. He immediately called a meeting with the Ministers of the Environment, Fernanda Ramos, and of International Relations, Roberto Lima, to discuss the situation.

Gustavo entered the meeting room, where the two ministers were already waiting for him. Fernanda had a worried expression, holding reports on the fires, while Roberto analyzed the statements of the foreign leaders.

— Mr. President, Fernanda began, standing up to hand over a dossier, the fires have increased by 20% in the last two weeks. And the problem is not just environmental. There is strong international pressure, especially from France, to internationalize the Amazon.

Gustavo took the document and leafed through it briefly, his face hardening.

— This is unacceptable, he said firmly, looking at both of them. The Amazon belongs to Brazil. No one has the right to tell us what to do with our territory. Let's make that very clear.

— I completely agree, President, Roberto said. However, we need to be diplomatic so as not to aggravate tensions. We can make a firm but careful statement.

Gustavo thought for a moment, but soon made a decision.

— I want the message to be clear, without ambiguities. The Amazon is a Brazilian heritage. Period. I will make an official statement. In addition, we need to intensify monitoring and punishment for those who are destroying our forests.

Fernanda agreed, explaining that inspection operations were already underway, but that they would need more financial and logistical support to be effective.

"We need to increase the presence of inspectors and apply harsher punishments to anyone caught destroying the forest," Fernanda said. "In addition, we must strengthen our alliances with countries that support the preservation of the Amazon under our leadership."

"Right," Gustavo said, taking mental notes. I want to see these operations in the field this week. Roberto, make sure that our diplomatic position is firm and respected. I will not accept external interference in what is ours."

Hours later, journalists from Brazil and around the world gathered at the Planalto Palace. Everyone anxiously awaited Gustavo Andrade's statement on the fires in the Amazon and the recent statements by foreign leaders.

The tension was palpable. Gustavo knew that whatever he said at that moment would echo both inside and outside the country. As he stepped onto the stage, he adjusted the microphone, took a deep breath, and began his speech, with Paola watching closely.

— Good afternoon everyone. Today, I would like to talk about a subject that affects not only Brazil, but that has attracted the attention of the world: the Amazon.

He paused, looking directly into the cameras, and continued:

— Recently, we have seen an increase in fires in our Amazon rainforest, something that the Brazilian government is taking with due seriousness. I want to make it clear that we are stepping up our efforts to combat the fires and punish those who destroy our natural heritage. New, more severe measures will be implemented, and those caught causing damage to the Amazon will face the harshest legal consequences.

The journalists were writing down every word, and the silence in the room was absolute.

— In addition, I want to leave a clear and direct message to the international community. The Amazon is part of Brazil's sovereign territory. It is our duty and responsibility to take care of it, and we are doing so. We do not accept external interference that questions our capacity or sovereignty over the Amazon. We are a sovereign country, and no other country has the right to tell us how we should manage our land.

Gustavo's eyes shone with determination as he mentioned the criticisms of Macron and other leaders.

— We respect the global commitment to the environment, but the Amazon is Brazilian. We will not accept any attempt at internationalization or foreign control over it. The forest is ours, and we are the ones who will decide its future.

The impact of his words was immediate. The journalists began to murmur, and camera flashes exploded throughout the room. Gustavo, with a firm and confident posture, concluded:

— Our government is committed to preserving the Amazon and to sustainable development. We will continue to work with partner nations and international organizations, but always respecting Brazil's sovereignty.

After the speech, social media exploded in debates. Brazilians from all regions showed support for Gustavo's firm speech, praising his nationalist stance and his defense of the Amazon as a Brazilian heritage. "The Amazon is ours!" became one of the trending topics on Twitter.

Internationally, Gustavo's speech generated mixed repercussions. While countries such as France and Germany continued to press for more international involvement in the preservation of the Amazon, other countries, such as the United States and Russia, demonstrated support for Brazil's sovereign position.

On TV, experts commented on the impact of the speech.

"It was a bold and direct speech. President Gustavo made it clear that he will not accept interference, but he also signaled that he is open to dialogue within the limits of national sovereignty," said a commentator from CNN Brasil.

However, international critics were quick to react. Macron, in a statement to the French press, reaffirmed his position on the global importance of the Amazon, but avoided direct retaliation against Gustavo, indicating that diplomatic tensions could escalate in the future.