Who is Lula? From ex-worker and prisoner to Brazil’s president again

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula, is a political figure who has experienced a remarkable comeback to the presidency of Brazil. Born into a poor, illiterate family, Lula's childhood was marked by humble beginnings as a peanut seller and shoe-shine boy. After receiving little formal education, he trained as a metalworker and eventually became a union leader. This early activism laid the groundwork for Lula's lifelong commitment to social justice.

Lula's political career began in earnest when he founded the Workers' Party (PT) in 1980. The party, which initially embraced a revolutionary approach, later shifted towards more pragmatic, social democratic policies. Lula's presidency from 2003 to 2010 was characterized by significant reforms aimed at addressing Brazil's social inequalities. He increased the minimum wage, launched the Bolsa Família program to aid impoverished families, and improved education and healthcare access.

Despite his initial success, Lula's second term was marred by corruption scandals, known collectively as Operation Car Wash. In 2017, he was convicted of corruption and sentenced to over nine years in prison. However, he was released early in 2019 due to a Supreme Court ruling that deemed his incarceration illegal. Lula's release allowed him to run for president again in 2022, ultimately defeating Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula's return to power has not been without controversy. While many praise his commitment to protecting the Amazon rainforest, environmentalists criticize his support for oil drilling near the river's mouth. Additionally, his presidency has coincided with the re-election of US President Donald Trump, who imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods due to the Bolsonaro corruption scandal. Despite these challenges, Lula remains popular among Brazil's poor and continues to advocate for social reform and economic growth.