Political Controversy Erupts Over Rio Carnival Parade Honoring President Lula

The 2026 Rio de Janeiro Carnival parade by the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, which honored President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has sparked significant political controversy and backlash from Brazil's right-wing opposition. The parade, held on February 15 and partially funded with R$1 million from federal resources, narrated Lula's journey from his impoverished childhood in Pernambuco to his rise as a union leader and eventual presidency. It incorporated key electoral proposals from Lula's government, such as reducing working hours and the "Taxação BBB," which aims to diminish taxes on the poor while increasing them on billionaires, banks, and betting companies.

The parade notably depicted former President Jair Bolsonaro as a clown, a move that incited sharp criticism from Bolsonaro's supporters, including his wife Michelle Bolsonaro and son Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Michelle shared a video showing a clown with an electronic ankle bracelet alluding to Lula's past corruption convictions, while Flávio released an AI-generated video criticizing Lula and accused the president of misusing public funds for campaign purposes. Opposition party Novo announced plans to request Lula's inelegibility at the Electoral Court, claiming the carnival event violated electoral laws by serving as early campaign propaganda financed by public money.

Attempts by right-wing parties to legally block the parade were dismissed by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), whose president, Minister Cármen Lúcia, emphasized the importance of preventing illicit electoral activities during carnival. While the parade did include a jingle from Lula’s prior campaigns and politically charged content, the TSE unanimously ruled it did not constitute early electoral propaganda. However, the Tribunal de Contas da União received a petition to impose a fine of R$9.65 million on those responsible. Critics such as former judge Sérgio Moro and Senate leader Carlos Portinho mocked the event for blurring the lines between culture and politics and questioned the ethical use of taxpayer funds.

The parade’s director, Tiago Martins, aimed to present Lula’s significance beyond politics, highlighting themes of hunger, life, and Brazilian identity in the samba lyrics. Despite the legal rulings, political tensions remain high, with the opposition signaling continued legal challenges once Lula registers his candidacy. Additionally, President Lula made a personal visit to Rio during the festivities to assess the Sambódromo, despite warnings related to structural concerns by allies and TSE president Cármen Lúcia.

This carnival spectacle underscores the ongoing polarization in Brazilian politics as cultural events increasingly intersect with electoral campaigns, raising questions about the use of public funds and the limits of political expression in popular celebrations.