The first lady of Brazil, Janja da Silva, was received this Friday (26) by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte, in Paris, amid the opening of the 2024 Olympics in the city.
Janja is part of the official delegation of the Brazilian government and came to the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Lula’s choice of Janja to represent him at the event has generated debates over the last week.
I feel very honored to represent my husband, President @LulaOficial, at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. I am grateful for the welcome from French President Emmanuel Macron and my dear friend Brigitte Macron. 📷 Cláudio Kbene pic.twitter.com/xf8C1CuiBG
— Janja Lula Silva (@JanjaLula) July 26, 2024
In addition to Janja, André Fufuca (PP-MA) and the Brazilian ambassador to France, Ricardo Neiva Tavares, are also part of the delegation representing Brazil in Paris.
Janja’s credential was also received this Friday (26), according to the newspaper Estado de São Paulo.
The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) issued the credential in an exceptional way, since the official deadline for the application had already ended when President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) announced, on the 11th, that he would send the first lady as his representative.
Brazil ran the risk of not having an official representative at the event, and Brazilian diplomacy had to intervene to resolve the issue, and ensure the first lady’s trip to the French capital.
The contact with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), responsible for the accreditation of the authorities in the event, was made by the COB, which did not give many details about the negotiation between the two countries, claiming that the information is personal.
When asked about Lula’s absence, Macron replied that the absence has already been justified and that Janja will be welcomed, adding that “at least” she will be present at the event.
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron offer this Friday (26) a reception to the heads of state and government who will accompany the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games.
The announcement of Janja’s participation as a representative in the event was made during a ceremony with Olympic athletes, in which Lula signed the readjustment of the Athlete Grant. “I’m going to see the Olympics through Janja’s eyes,” said the president.
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