Lula's wife rules out political career, seeks normal couple's life

Rosângela Lula da Silva, the wife of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has firmly stated that she has no electoral aspirations and wishes for a "normal life" with her husband once he steps down from politics. Known popularly as Janja, the First Lady clarified in a recent interview that she is "not a candidate for anything, nor do I intend to be."

“

I am not a candidate for anything, nor do I intend to be.

Her remarks come amid speculation that her active role as First Lady and her advocacy for women's rights were aimed at projecting her into a political future, potentially as Lula's successor. However, Janja expressed a clear desire for a private life after the potential end of Lula's fourth term in January 2031. "I really want to live my life as a married woman, and for us to travel peacefully. We haven't lived that yet. We didn't have a honeymoon, nor did we have a normal life as a normal couple," she said.

“

I really want to live my life as a married woman, and for us to travel peacefully. We haven't lived that yet. We didn't have a honeymoon, nor did we have a normal life as a normal couple.

Janja also addressed the criticisms she frequently faces, particularly regarding alleged extravagant spending on her international trips with the president. She believes these attacks are a political strategy by the far-right aimed at undermining her husband, stating, "It's easier to attack me than the President of the Republic." She argued that these criticisms ignore her institutional work abroad, including efforts to promote a Pact Against Femicide through international cooperation. "This issue of spending abroad is a clear example of the pure misogyny that floats on social media," she added.

“

It's easier to attack me than the President of the Republic. That is a fact; a fact. It is part of the political strategy of the far-right and I have no way to combat it.

In a notable gesture, Janja extended solidarity to two prominent opposition figures, former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro and far-right Senator Damares Alves, for recent sexist attacks they have endured. "First of all, I want to express my solidarity. We cannot abandon any woman who is attacked, regardless of her ideological field," she affirmed, emphasizing a stance against gender-based aggression irrespective of political affiliation.

“

This issue of spending abroad is a clear example of the pure misogyny that floats on social media.