‘Ola Lula’: Rio Carnival ode to Brazil’s president sparks political storm

One of Rio de Janeiro's top samba schools kicked off this year's Carnival with a lavish ode to Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, tracing his rise from rural poverty to superhero status among the working classes, symbolised by a colossal metal figurine of the president. But in an election year that sees Lula seeking a fourth term, the tribute has sparked a political debate.

‘Ola Lula’: Rio Carnival ode to Brazil’s president sparks political storm
One of Rio de Janeiro's top samba schools kicked off this year's Carnival with a lavish ode to Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, tracing his rise from rural poverty to superhero status among the working classes, symbolised by a colossal metal figurine of the president. But in an election year that sees Lula seeking a fourth term, the tribute has sparked a political debate.