"A parade float praising Brazil's president Lula strode through Rio's Sambadrome, drawing contreversy and triggering lawsuits. A carnival float in Rio de Janeiro's world-famous carnival parade was the center of a controversy over Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his upcoming bid for reelection. Critics of the president accused him of improperly using the nation's high-profile Carnaval celebrations for political campaigning."
"The songs and dance represented Lula and his mother's life stories, but organizers had also planned to have the first lady Rosangela "Janja" da Silva appear in person in the last float. Her presence in the float was ultimately canceled. Critics have said the float represents support for Lula's campaign for the presidency and as such, violates the country's laws."
Top samba school Academicos de Niteroi presented a carnival float in Rio de Janeiro that portrayed Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's life from childhood poverty to national leadership. The float and accompanying songs praised the president and originally planned to include first lady Rosangela "Janja" da Silva in the final float, a presence later canceled. Critics filed several lawsuits and said the tribute amounted to unlawful campaigning ahead of Lula's reelection bid. Organizer Tiago Martins said the samba school aimed to represent Brazil's northeast and that Lula's story fit the theme, rejecting claims of political campaigning. Lula attended the parade but did not speak.
Read at www.dw.com
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