Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, universally known as Lula, was born in 1945 in Caetés, Pernambuco. A former metalworker and trade union leader, he rose to national prominence leading strikes against Brazil's military government in the late 1970s and co-founded the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT, Workers' Party) in 1980. After three unsuccessful presidential bids (1989, 1994, 1998), he won the 2002 election and was inaugurated on 1 January 2003.

During his first two terms (2003–2010), Lula's administration combined orthodox macroeconomic management with expanded social policy. Flagship programs included Bolsa Família, a conditional cash-transfer scheme, and Fome Zero ("Zero Hunger"). Brazil experienced strong commodity-driven growth, repaid its IMF debt early in 2005, and saw millions lifted above the poverty line. He left office in January 2011 with approval ratings above 80%, succeeded by his chosen candidate Dilma Rousseff.

In foreign policy, Lula promoted South–South cooperation, helped launch the IBSA Dialogue Forum (2003) with India and South Africa, and was a founding leader of the BRIC grouping (first summit 2009). He pushed for UN Security Council reform and a permanent seat for Brazil.

Lula's career was upended by the Lava Jato ("Car Wash") corruption investigation. He was convicted in 2017 on charges related to a beachfront apartment and imprisoned from April 2018 to November 2019. In 2021 the Supreme Federal Tribunal annulled those convictions on jurisdictional grounds, restoring his political rights. He defeated incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the October 2022 runoff and began his third term on 1 January 2023 — eight days before supporters of Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in Brasília.

His third term has emphasized Amazon deforestation reduction, re-engagement with multilateral bodies, mediation offers on the Russia–Ukraine war, and Brazil's 2024 G20 and 2025 BRICS/COP30 hosting roles.