Patriota Declares Obama's Speech about Developing Countries Ironic

Antonio Patriota, Brazil’s Minister of External Relations, declared Barack Obama’s speech ironic, because it trivialized the importance of developing countries in the decline of the United States’ and Europe’s influence in the world.

“It does not cease to be interesting that President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron feel the obligation to explain that other actors exist on the international scene, such as China, India and Brazil, who play an important role in looking for solutions to global challenges,” Patriota affirmed in a May 26 press conference, after a meeting with Trinidad Jiménez, Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

In his visit to London, the American president recognized the growth of developing countries, but emphasized that the U.S. and Europe continue to play the leading role.

“Perhaps, the argument goes, these nations represent the future, and the time for our leadership has passed. That argument is wrong. The time for our leadership is now,” said the American.

Patriota affirmed that Obama’s declaration “is still a recognition, albeit indirect,” of the importance of the emerging countries.

Questioned about the representation of developing countries in international organizations like the International Monetary Fund, which will elect a new leader next month, Patriota cited the declarations of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and Finance Minister Guido Mantega, who advocate a choice based on merit rather than on European origin.

“We are engaged in a search for a consensus that prepares the IMF to play its role in a balanced way, more in tune with contemporary challenges.”