Brazilian opposition party vows to block Lula’s re-election bid after Carnival tribute

Brazil’s political opposition pledged to block left-wing president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s re-election bid in the October 2026 election following a controversial tribute to him at Rio de Janeiro’s annual Carnival parade competition.

The right-leaning Novo party vowed that it would seek Lula’s immediate disqualification once he formally registers his candidacy later this year for his fourth non-consecutive term.

Meanwhile, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro, said he would “quickly” ask electoral courts to launch a probe into the tribute, which he described as “crimes” committed “with public money,” the South Atlantic News Agency reported.

The younger Bolsonaro, seen as a potential rival in the October 2026 election, alleged in social media posts that Lula used tax revenues to stage an early campaign during the Carnival parade.

Tribute sparks flurry of lawsuits 

The tribute also prompted the wider opposition, including the Novo party, to file a lawsuit against Lula, arguing that it violated the principle of equality among candidates in the pivotal election.

The party noted that the tribute included passages such as “ole, ole, ola Lula,” and a reference to the number 13, used by the Workers’ Party (PT) on ballots.

“This is the kind of thing you see in a Soviet republic, in North Korea, an ode to the great leader,” said Novo party leader Marcel Van Hattem, as quoted by Reuters. 

Lawmakers also raised questions over the BRL1 million transferred to the samba school Academicos de Niteroi through funding from the state tourism company to the samba school league, Folha de Sao Paulo reported.

Other political factions, such as the Missao Party, filed a representation alleging early campaigning even before the parade took place.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Guinness recognises Rio de Janeiro for hosting largest NYE celebration

Court unanimously rejects lawsuits 

However, the Tribunal Superior Electoral (TSE) unanimously dismissed the lawsuits filed by both the Novo and Missao parties challenging the tribute.

The TSE ruled that there was no concrete evidence of early campaigning and that blocking the parade would constitute censorship.

“At this moment, there is no concrete element of early electoral campaigning, nor circumstances that allow a secure conclusion of irregularities,” it said, as quoted by Revista Cenarium. 

Justice Estela Aranha stressed that mere suspicion of a “possible future illegality” cannot interfere with artistic production, noting that such action could suppress creativity and restrict cultural expression.

Supporters take precaution 

Despite the court’s decision to throw out the lawsuits, Lula’s aides acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and advised ministers and supporters to refrain from participating in the parade or using public funds for travel.

They also advised ministers and officials to avoid election-related statements or gestures, particularly the “L” hand sign, and barred them from urging spectators to vote for Lula.

The PT suggested supporters avoid wearing clothing, accessories or flags bearing the party’s number and refrain from mentioning the 2026 election or using slogans linked to Lula’s re-election bid.

Lula also refrained from speaking publicly during the event and did not mention the tribute on social media to avoid allegations of early campaigning.

An ode for Lula’s life story 

The controversy emerged after Academicos de Niteroi paid tribute to Lula through a parade narrating his journey from his birth in Brazil’s impoverished northeast to his rise to the presidency and status as one of Latin America’s most prominent leaders.

Parade chief organiser Tiago Martins said the president deserved such a tribute, acknowledging his work and commitment to the country.

“Lula deserves a tribute like this, just like any other Brazilian who does a lot for our people,” he said, as quoted by DW. 

But Martins denied that the carnival parade constitutes early campaigning, emphasising that it only tells the story of a “warrior of a man” who got to the presidency despite all the challenges, framing it as biographical rather than partisan. 

While a tribute for an incumbent head of state is rare, Carnival has previously honoured former presidents after their deaths, including Getulio Vargas and Juscelino Kubitschek in 1956 and 1981, respectively.

Rio’s parade is widely seen as political in nature, often featuring social commentary, satire and direct political critique or tribute, even as it celebrates Brazil’s culture.

READ MORE BY JHERULEENE RAMOS: Watchdog flags escalating prison crisis in Argentina