Ricardo Nunes, the Mayor of São Paulo, has publicly condemned the parade held by Acadêmicos de Niterói that celebrated President Lula during Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Nunes expressed his disapproval, emphasizing that while he cannot censor the samba school's theme, he urged organizers to exercise 'good sense.' He claims that the parade not only targeted political opponents with satire but also offended a significant segment of the population that holds differing political views.

In his statement, Mayor Nunes characterized the event as an affront to electoral legislation, suggesting it was a political maneuver that could influence public opinion unfairly during an election year. He expressed concerns regarding the nature of the spectacle, implying that the use of popular festivities for political purposes poses a risk to democratic integrity. Nunes, aligned with political figures such as Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro—both of whom were parodied during the parade—believes this represents a trend where the government seeks to consolidate power rather than engage with legitimate political discourse.

Nunes's remarks come in light of the upcoming elections, as he cautioned against what he sees as blatant electoral abuse. By asserting that popular celebrations should not double as campaign platforms, the mayor brings attention to the blurred lines between culture and politics in Brazil, especially as the nation prepares for important electoral decisions. This criticism may resonate with many citizens wary of political overreach into cultural spaces during a charged political atmosphere.