Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant Carnival celebrations have been overshadowed by political controversy after a samba school’s tribute to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sparked a national debate over potential election interference. The display, which featured a large effigy of Lula and imagery referencing his political journey, has drawn criticism from opponents who allege illegal campaigning ahead of the October presidential elections.
The Unidos da Tijuca samba school’s parade on , depicted Lula with a raised fist, his image towering over the Sambadrome. The accompanying song chronicled his life story, from his origins as a labourer to his presidency. A depiction of former President Jair Bolsonaro in prison attire also appeared in the parade, further fueling the political undertones. Dancers formed the letter “L” with their fingers, a clear reference to Lula’s name.
While Carnival is traditionally a space for political commentary, the scale of the tribute to a sitting president, and potential candidate, has ignited a firestorm. Critics are questioning whether the display crosses the line from cultural expression into unlawful electioneering. The controversy centers on whether the parade constitutes an implicit endorsement of Lula’s re-election bid.
Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the former president and a potential presidential candidate himself, condemned the parade on social media, labeling it a “crime” and “moral depravity.” He accused Lula of using public funds to conduct illegal campaigning through the Sambadrome performance.
The samba school, like all participating in the Carnival, received funding from the federal government – a total of 12 million reais (approximately 2.1 million euros) distributed as direct subsidies. This financial connection has prompted scrutiny from the Federal Court of Accounts, which requested explanations from the organizers, the Ministry of Culture, and the tourism agency Embratur prior to the parade. The court even recommended suspending federal funding to the samba school due to the overtly political nature of the performance.
Embratur defended its position, stating that while it provides financial support for Carnival, it does not interfere with the thematic choices made by the samba schools. However, the debate continues regarding the appropriateness of using public funds to support a display that appears to promote a specific political candidate.
Adding another layer to the complexity, reports indicate that Lula was aware of the planned tribute and even attended a meeting with representatives from the samba school at the presidential palace last year, where he listened to the samba composition. While he did not participate in the parade itself on , he was present at the Sambadrome and greeted the samba school’s flag bearers.
The timing of the controversy is particularly sensitive, as Brazil prepares for presidential elections in October. Lula is seeking a second term, and polls currently show a tight race between him and Flávio Bolsonaro. The former president, Jair Bolsonaro, was sentenced to over 27 years in prison last September for attempting to undermine the democratic process following his defeat in the previous election, but his political movement remains a significant force.
Organizers attempted to mitigate potential legal issues by issuing warnings against any gestures or displays that could be interpreted as explicit electioneering. Government ministers were prohibited from participating in the parade, and First Lady Janja Silva cancelled her planned attendance as a precautionary measure. Despite these efforts, opposition figures have announced their intention to file complaints with the electoral court.
Historian Felipe Brito Vieira, speaking to ZDF, described the situation as unprecedented, highlighting the delicate balance between cultural expression and political messaging during Carnival. He warned that the imagery used in the parade could potentially lead to accusations of premature campaigning and, in a worst-case scenario, Lula’s disqualification from the election.
“It could be that a conviction for premature campaigning will result. In the worst case, that could lead to disqualification from the election,” Vieira stated.
The controversy underscores the increasingly polarized political climate in Brazil and the challenges of maintaining neutrality during a highly charged election year. The Carnival, traditionally a celebration of Brazilian culture and identity, has become a battleground for political maneuvering, raising questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the integrity of the electoral process.
