5 Things to Know About Brazilian President Lula da Silva

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is serving as President of Brazil and has just won a fourth term, a record in the country. Known simply as Lula, he leads the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) and is one of Latin America’s best-known politicians, with a political career spanning more than four decades.

Here are five things to know about him.

1. A Vision of Inclusive Growth and a Stronger Brazil

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s vision centres on reducing inequality, eradicating hunger and building a more inclusive, economically resilient Brazil. His agenda combines social welfare, education, healthcare and employment with sustainable development, technological advancement and a stronger global role for the country. Following his re-election in October 2026, Lula has also pledged to accelerate Brazil’s digital economy, develop domestic artificial intelligence capabilities, modernise public healthcare and expand access to education. His broader mission is to ensure that economic progress translates into better living standards, greater social mobility and more opportunities for ordinary Brazilians.

2. Built a Career in the Labour Movement
Lula became a leading trade unionist, heading the metalworkers’ union in São Bernardo do Campo, an industrial area near São Paulo. He led large strikes in the late 1970s that challenged Brazil’s then-military government. In 1980, he helped found the Workers’ Party (PT), which became one of the country’s major political forces. He lost three presidential elections, in 1989, 1994 and 1998, before winning in 2002.

3. Served Two Terms and Expanded Welfare
Lula was president from 2003 to 2010. His government expanded social programmes, most notably Bolsa Família, a cash transfer scheme for poor families, and Brazil’s economy benefited from a global commodities boom during the period. He left office with very high approval ratings, and Brazil’s international profile rose, including through its role in the BRICS grouping.

4. Jailed, Then Returned to Power
In 2017, Lula was convicted in a corruption case linked to the Lava Jato investigation and began a prison sentence in 2018, which barred him from running that year. He spent around 580 days in prison before his release in 2019. Brazil’s Supreme Court annulled the convictions in 2021, restoring his political rights. Lula has always denied wrongdoing. He then narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro in 2022 to win a non-consecutive third term.

5. A Voice of the Global South and a Partner for India
Lula has made international diplomacy a priority, positioning Brazil as a voice for developing countries in forums such as BRICS and the G20. India and Brazil are both BRICS members and share a strategic partnership, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Lula as a friend. After Lula’s latest win, Modi pledged to deepen and expand the “multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.”