Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confuses wives during speech in Belo Horizonte

During an event with female leaders in Belo Horizonte on Saturday, August 29, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva committed a verbal slip by confusing his current wife, First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, with his late wife, Marisa Letícia.

While discussing the loss of his partner after 45 years of marriage, the President stated, “When I lost Janja, after 45 years of marriage,” before immediately correcting himself following reactions from the audience and the First Lady. He subsequently praised Janja, stating that she made his life feel complete.

In his speech, the President also advocated for increased female representation in politics, gender equality in domestic tasks, and the approval of legislation regarding the 6x1 work schedule in the National Congress.