Former Brazilian President Michel Temer responded to his depiction at the Rio de Janeiro samba parade by the Acadêmicos de Niterói, where he was represented as a vampire in a scene that also referenced the impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff, for which he served as vice president. He mentioned his longing for a different samba school, Tuiuti, known for its satirical takes on political figures and events.

In his comments, Temer criticized the tribute to Lula, acknowledging the creative and fantastical nature of samba, but labeled the tribute as 'flattery' rather than a robust political critique. He emphasized that while political satire is a traditional aspect of Brazil’s Carnival culture, he found the homage to Lula lacking in historical rigor and sophistication, contrasting it with the deeper critical undertones of past representations in samba parades.

Temer's remarks highlight the complex interplay between politics and culture in Brazil, particularly during Carnival, where powerful political commentary coexists with festivities. His commentary not only sheds light on his relationship with Lula and the leftist factions he confronts but also underscores the evolving nature of samba as a medium for political discourse in contemporary Brazil.