Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula, is a Brazilian politician and former trade union leader who has served as the 39th president of Brazil since 2023. Born on October 27, 1945, in the small town of Caetés, Pernambuco, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in Latin American politics. He first held the presidency from 2003 to 2010, overseeing a period of strong economic growth and social reforms. After a controversial corruption conviction that was later annulled, he returned to power in the 2022 election, defeating incumbent Jair Bolsonaro.
Early Life and Career
Lula was born into a poor family and moved to São Paulo as a child. He worked as a shoeshiner and later as a metalworker. In the 1970s, he became a trade union leader, organizing strikes against the military dictatorship. He helped found the Workers' Party (PT) in 1980 and ran for president unsuccessfully in 1989, 1994, and 1998 before winning in 2002. His first term was marked by economic stability, the Bolsa Família social program, and a reduction in poverty and inequality. He left office with record popularity ratings in 2010.
Return to Power and Presidency Since 2023
After his conviction for corruption and money laundering was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2021, Lula regained political rights and ran for president in 2022. He narrowly defeated Bolsonaro, promising to reunite a deeply divided country. Since taking office in 2023, he has focused on environmental protection, social inclusion, and reasserting Brazil's role on the global stage. He has sought to reduce deforestation in the Amazon, rebuild diplomatic ties with the United States and the European Union, and promote the Mercosur trade bloc. At the same time, he faces economic challenges: inflation, high interest rates, and trade tensions with the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
Health Issues and Medical Scares
Lula's health has been a topic of public concern, given his age and a history of serious ailments. In 2011, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and successfully treated with chemotherapy. In September 2024, he was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage resulting from a fall at home, requiring emergency surgery. After a successful operation, he was released and resumed his duties. That same year, in November, he underwent surgery to remove a skin lesion caused by sun exposure. In early 2025, he was diagnosed with labyrinthitis, which forced him to cancel engagements. Despite these setbacks, Lula has consistently expressed his intention to run for a fourth term in the 2026 presidential election, stating he is in good health and ready to lead.
Domestic Policy and Economy
Lula's government has implemented a series of tax reforms, including a long-awaited VAT overhaul aimed at simplifying Brazil's complex tax system. He has also proposed taxing the wealthy to reduce the tax burden on the middle class. Unemployment hit record lows under his watch, while GDP growth slowed to 2.3% in 2025. The administration has faced criticism from environmentalists over plans to exploit oil reserves in the Amazon, as well as from opponents who claim his policies are too left-leaning. However, Lula maintains that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
Foreign Affairs and Relations with the United States
Lula's foreign policy has been characterized by a desire to balance relations with the U.S., China, and other emerging powers. He has criticized President Donald Trump's tariffs on Brazilian goods as a form of economic blackmail, leading Brazil to file a complaint at the World Trade Organization. At the same time, he met Trump in 2025 to discuss cooperation against organized crime and trade issues. Lula has also been a vocal supporter of multilateralism, pressing for reform of the UN Security Council and criticizing what he sees as U.S. overreach in Latin America. He has called for dialogue in Venezuela and opposed any U.S. military intervention there. He has also reached out to Russia over the war in Ukraine, urging President Putin to negotiate with Ukraine.
Climate and Environment
A central pillar of Lula's current administration has been climate action. He hosted the COP30 summit in Belém in November 2025, where he called on nations to intensify efforts against climate change. He has defended the right of each country to transition away from fossil fuels at its own pace, a stance that has drawn criticism from some environmental groups. Domestically, his government has faced protests from indigenous groups opposing a decree that prioritizes Amazonian rivers for commercial navigation and private ports. Lula has also been a leading voice in international forums, urging wealthy nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments.
Electoral Prospects and Opposition
Despite his age and health issues, Lula announced in 2025 that he will seek a fourth term in the 2026 presidential election. His main rival is expected to be Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the former president. The campaign is already marked by bitter divisions. Lula has said he will veto any law that reduces the prison sentence of Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted in 2025 for attempting a coup after the 2022 election. The opposition accuses Lula of playing politics with the judiciary, while Lula defends the independence of the courts. The election is set for October 2026 and will be a critical test for Brazilian democracy.
Lula's legacy is already complex: he is admired for his social programs and economic successes during his first terms, criticized for corruption scandals, and now seen as a resilient figure who overcame illness and legal battles to continue leading a major nation. Whether he will be remembered as a champion of the poor or a divisive figure depends largely on the outcomes of his current policies and the 2026 election. For now, he remains one of the most prominent and active presidents in Latin America, a veteran leftist leader who continues to shape Brazil's destiny.
Source:Le Figaro News