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Court Challenge Targets R$1 Million Grant to Samba School Honoring Lula Ahead of Rio Carnival

Opposition lawmakers argue the publicly funded tribute risks functioning as early electoral propaganda.

Da esquerda para a direita, o carnavalesco Tiago Martins, Lula e o presidente da Acadêmicos de Niterói, Wallace Palhares
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O presidente Lula com o estandarte da escola Acadêmicos de NIteroi.

Overview

  • Federal deputy Kim Kataguiri filed a popular action in São Paulo’s 4th Federal Civil Court seeking an injunction to suspend and block the R$1 million transfer to Acadêmicos de Niterói and to order possible reimbursement, with referrals to the TCU and MPF.
  • The contested payment is part of a R$12 million Embratur–Liesa cooperation signed on January 19 that allocates R$1 million to each of Rio’s 12 Grupo Especial samba schools.
  • A separate representation was lodged with the Electoral Prosecutor’s Office alleging that the samba-enredo contains elements of possible early campaign propaganda linked to President Lula.
  • Acadêmicos de Niterói held technical rehearsals featuring screen projections with images and memes of Jair Bolsonaro; first lady Janja is confirmed to parade, and Lula’s presence is expected but unconfirmed as the school opens the desfile on February 15.
  • Embratur, the Culture Ministry and the Presidency had not publicly responded at the time of reporting, as the school says it is taking steps to avoid legal violations and supporters and opponents wage online campaigns over the song’s streaming performance.