President Lula demonstrated clear irritation regarding the media attention surrounding a tribute made to him by the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school in Rio de Janeiro. Even before the Carnival parade, reports indicated that ministers and leaders within the Workers' Party (PT) were concerned about how the homage would be perceived, particularly regarding potential legal implications. This preemptive anxiety hints at the political calculus involved in public displays of support and the associated risks that come with them.

Post-Carnival, concern turned to alarm as information surfaced about the government's anxiety over negative reactions. As reported by Folha, allies of Lula received polling data indicating that public reception of the samba school's tribute was overwhelmingly negative, particularly among evangelical voters. This negative feedback has introduced an atmosphere of crisis, leading the Planalto, the presidential office, to take steps to mitigate the fallout and safeguard the president's image amid rising discontent.

Lula's discomfort seems particularly amplified by an impression that members of his own administration and party are attempting to hold the samba school accountable for the unflattering reception of the tribute. This internal strife reflects deeper tensions within the government regarding how best to navigate public relations and manage the perception of support within various voter demographics. The situation underscores the delicate balance political figures must maintain between engaging with cultural institutions and managing their political image.