SAO PAULO — At a dinner held in Beijing in early May, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reveled in the success of his diplomatic efforts. Business leaders accompanying him reported that they had secured substantial investment deals, all while Lula strengthened his international stature alongside Chinese President, Xi Jinping. However, an unexpected turn occurred when Brazilian first lady, Rosângela da Silva, or Janja, raised her hand.
Breaking the protocol of silence that typically accompanies such events, Janja commented directly to Xi, highlighting a challenge left-leaning individuals faced with the social media platform TikTok, alleging that its algorithm skews toward right-wing content. This candid exchange did not stay private for long and by the time dessert was served, the story had already reached Brazilian media outlets.
Lula’s administration is currently dealing with declining popularity, jeopardizing his lead in the upcoming reelection campaign. Some political analysts and those within his own government attribute this partly to Janja’s actions, which some perceive as stepping beyond the traditional bounds of her role. Janja, a 58-year-old sociologist, has faced criticism for actions such as insulting tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, making insensitive remarks about the suicide of a pro-Bolsonaro supporter, and offering the president advice on military use during the January 2023 riots in Brasília.
According to a Datafolha poll released on June 12, about 36% of Brazilians feel that Janja’s actions negatively affect the government, while 14% believe they are beneficial. This was the first poll assessing her public approval. Meanwhile, Lula’s disapproval rating as president had risen to 40%, an 8% increase since October 2024. In response, the Brazilian presidency issued a statement asserting that Janja adheres to guidelines set forth by the solicitor-general’s office, functioning as a citizen combining her public visibility with her professional experience in pursuit of relevant social causes.
According to these guidelines, the role of the president’s spouse is chiefly symbolic and representative in social, cultural, or diplomatic affairs. Critics argue this does not authorize her to speak as a government voice. Reports from Brazilian media indicate that some government ministers and staunch leftist supporters are quietly expressing concern that Janja’s actions could do more harm than good. This sentiment has intensified following the incident in China, despite Lula commending his wife for her openness.
Beatriz Rey, a political science researcher, emphasizes that when Janja insists on speaking out without restraint, it could be seen as undermining democratic norms, as she holds no elected or governmental position. Supporters from Lula’s Workers’ Party attribute part of the backlash to misinformation campaigns. In May, the party attempted to counter this with a social media campaign supporting Janja, but the effort failed to gain significant traction.
Despite criticism, some believe that Janja brings a rejuvenating influence to Lula, though her outspoken nature sometimes transfers some of his political liabilities to him. A government source, who often travels with the president, noted that while she brings vibrancy to Lula’s image, her overstepping creates challenges. Journalist Adriana Negreiros pointed out the paradox of Janja’s active role; her visibility and verbal assertiveness draw both attention and criticism that is not always rooted in sexism.
Janja has stated her intention not to remain silent, claiming she exercises her own judgment to determine her limits. She expressed regret for a previous derogatory comment towards Musk, understanding its potential backlash. Political adversaries, on the other hand, seem content for Janja to remain vocal, suggesting her comments could fortify right-wing positions.
As the BRICS summit in Rio approaches, Janja is anticipated to play a prominent role as hostess, a task her husband is likely to endorse. Lula has repeatedly affirmed his support for his wife’s public presence, asserting she will speak and act according to her own decisions.