Presidential hopeful Ronaldo Caiado (PSD) said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva skipped the March for Jesus to avoid being booed by attendees [1].
The comments highlight the growing political divide between the current administration and Brazil's influential evangelical community ahead of the next election. Because the event is a major gathering of religious conservatives, the absence of the president serves as a focal point for opposition criticism.
Caiado made the remarks Thursday, June 4, 2026 [1], during the event held in São Paulo [2]. He said the president does not have support among the religious public present at the march. According to Caiado, the decision to stay away was a strategic move to prevent a public display of disapproval.
"Lula would be harshly booed if he attended the March for Jesus," Caiado said [1].
The March for Jesus has been held since 1993 [3] and remains one of the largest religious demonstrations in the city. Caiado used the occasion to frame the president's absence as a sign of disconnection from the general population.
"Lula is incompatible with the people for missing the march," Caiado said [2].
Caiado's critique focuses on the perceived gap between the president's policies and the values of the event's participants. By framing the absence as a fear of public rejection, the PSD candidate aims to position himself as a more aligned alternative for the religious electorate. The event in São Paulo drew significant crowds, providing a platform for various political figures to challenge the administration's standing with the faith-based community.
“"Lula would be harshly booed if he attended the March for Jesus,"”
This exchange underscores the critical role of the evangelical vote in Brazilian politics. By targeting the president's absence from a high-profile religious event, Caiado is attempting to consolidate support among conservative Christians who feel alienated by the current government's platform.
