Janja gives up parading in Sapucaí and avoids wear and tear with the government base

The confirmation of the participation of First Lady Rosângela da Silva, known as Janja, as a highlight in the Acadêmicos de Niterói parade by the Rio de Janeiro Carnival Special Group caused discontent among allies of President Lula (PT).

The first lady, however, withdrew just hours before the parade. She was replaced by Fafá de Belém, an icon of Brazilian popular music.

Leaders and congressmen interviewed by the report say that Janja’s participation in the parade would further increase the strain that the government has suffered due to the tribute.

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) unanimously rejected the intention to block the Acadêmicos de Niterói parade, accusing Lula, the PT and the association of early electoral propaganda and abuse of power. THE

Due to the controversy, the Palácio do Planalto advised ministers not to participate in the paradeas this could constitute a misuse of purpose to promote Lula and other authorities, in addition to configuring a supposed early electoral campaign, according to the government’s legal advisors.

Janja, however, had been released, as she does not have an official public position. Even without legal obstacles, the report found that the first lady’s attitude caused discomfort among the government base.

The assessment of PT leaders and allied parties interviewed by the report is that Janja tries to take the lead at every opportunity. “He likes to show off,” said a deputy, on condition of anonymity. Quitting therefore helps to lower the temperature.

This is not the first time that Lula’s wife has caused discomfort among the PT’s allies. Two episodes in particular were most disturbing: during the floods in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024, when Janja caused embarrassment by mobilizing security forces to rescue a horse trapped on a roof; and when the first lady denied the so-called “blouse tax” on her social media profiles.

The assessment is also that Janja became an “easy target” for the opposition due to his thoughtless speeches (such as insulting US President Donald Trump) and his luxurious lifestyle, which inspired the opposition to create the “Janjometer”.

The split between Janja and some of the government’s allies is nothing new, but those around Lula have already realized that the first lady’s decisions are untouchable. Janja is one of those responsible for Lula’s agenda and has already been pivotal in her husband’s removal from important allies. Therefore, the ministers closest to the president avoid talking about the first lady’s performance.

Plot in honor of Lula

Debuting in the Special Group, Acadêmicos de Niterói took to Avenida the plot “From the top of the mulungu comes hope: Lula, the worker of Brazil”, which portrayed the president’s childhood in Pernambuco and his journey to the Planalto. The school was founded four years ago.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in Marquês de Sapucaí shortly after 8:20 pm this Sunday (15) to watch the parade of the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, with a plot in his honor. The PT member follows the parade in the box at Rio de Janeiro City Hall, alongside the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes (PSD), government ministers and authorities.

Under alert of possible accusations of irregular electoral propaganda, the Palácio do Planalto vetoed the participation of ministers in the parade in honor of Lula, as well as the use of public funds to attend the party in Sapucaí. Only the first lady, Janja da Silva, was allowed to participate, as she did not hold a public position.

They were with Lula in the city hall box:

• Anielle Franco (Racial Equality);
  Alexandre Padilha (Health);
• Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy);
• Camilo Santana (Education);
• Esther Dweck (Management and Innovation);
• Frederico Siqueira (Communications);
• Gleisi Hoffmann (Institutional Relations);
• Macaé Evaristo (Human Rights);
• Márcia Lopes (Women);
• president of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard;
• president of the National Development Bank (BNDES), Aloizio Mercadante;
• vice-president Geraldo Alckmin (PSB);
• federal deputy Lindbergh Farias (PT-RJ);
• federal deputy Pedro Uczai (PT-SC);
• federal deputy Pastor Henrique Vieira (Psol-RJ);
• federal deputy Talíria Petrone (PSol-RJ);
• federal deputy Tarcísio Motta (PSol-RJ);
• executive secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Márcio Tavares;
• José Dirceu, former minister;
• Lu Alckmin, second lady;