![Lula, a prominent figure in Brazilian politics, has had a significant impact on the economy of Brazil and Latin America, especially in relation to currency fluctuations and the situation in Venezuela.](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/lula-brazil-latin-america-currency-economy-venezuela-sur-06052023-1.jpg?w=519&h=259&crop=1)
At a meeting of South America’s presidents last week, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for regional financial integration and some sort of mechanism to conduct trade without U.S. dollars. Judging by the number of times in recent months he has suggested something along these lines, it’s a topic on Lula’s mind.