Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during the closing ceremony of the first G20 Social Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, November 16, 2024. (AP)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered on Sunday a blistering critique of neoliberalism as he prepared to host world leaders at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the G20 Social event, a gathering of NGOs, minority groups, and climate activists, Lula accused neoliberal policies of exacerbating global inequality and urged governments to prioritize citizens' needs over market demands.

"Neoliberalism has worsened the economic and political inequality that is currently plaguing democracies," Lula said.

He emphasized the growing disconnect between the "voice of the markets and the voice of the streets," urging leaders to address these disparities to restore public trust.

Presidente Lula mandou a real: “Para chegar ao coração dos cidadãos comuns, os governos precisam romper com a dissonância cada vez maior entre a “voz dos mercados” e a “voz das ruas”. O neoliberalismo agravou a desigualdade econômica e política que hoje assola as democracias. O… pic.twitter.com/WBnygz21Oi
— Lázaro Rosa 🇧🇷 (@lazarorosa25) November 16, 2024

Lula will welcome key global leaders on Monday, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Argentina's Javier Milei.

The summit will address issues ranging from climate change to global hunger, with Lula championing progressive policies such as taxing the ultra-wealthy and reforming the United Nations to enhance inclusivity in decision-making.

The 79-year-old president, who rose from union leadership to lead Latin America's largest economy, called on civil society to exert pressure on governments.

"If leaders don't act, you must make a difference—shout, protest, demand. Change comes through pressure," he told the gathering.

Lula pledged to bring the demands of G20 Social participants to the summit discussions, including global efforts to combat hunger, stronger measures against climate change, taxes on the ultra-wealthy, and stricter regulation of disinformation and hate speech aimed at undermining democracy.

The Brazilian president's criticism of neoliberalism is expected to spark debate at the G20, particularly with leaders like Argentina's Javier Milei, whose free-market approach contrasts sharply with Lula's policies.

Observers also anticipate tensions over the summit's direction, with some leaders, including Biden and Macron, facing political challenges at home.