From the peak of power to the bottom in less than a decade, Luiz Inácio da Silva, commonly known as “Lula”, has shaped Brazil’s political landscape in the 21st century. In 2009, US President Barack Obama called him the most popular politician in the world.
Then in 2017 a deep downfall: Lula was sentenced to prison, a national corruption scandal brought her down. Lula went to prison for 580 days.
1989: The founder of the Labor Party runs for president in the first free elections after 29 years of dictatorship. Lula lost in the second round. In 1994 and 1998 he tried again and failed.
Finally, in 2002, Lula became president of the largest country in Latin America. Social reforms shaped his tenure, minimum wages were raised and a social system was installed for the population.
Troubles began in 2005: the first corruption scandals reached popular politicians. It was a matter of buying votes in the Brazilian parliament. Lula had good luck again and was re-elected the following year.
The new term was marked by foreign policy: Brazil became part of the G20, a grouping of the 20 most powerful economies. Brazil is expanding cooperation with BRICS countries, including developing countries such as China and India. In addition, the country was awarded contracts for the World Cup and the Olympics.
In the next election, Lula supported her party mate Dilma Rousseff. Rousseff became Brazil’s first female president, but her second term ended abruptly when she was removed from office on corruption charges.
Lula also stumbled upon corruption allegations. If he wants to run again in the 2017 election, his ambitions are crushed by the judiciary. Lula ends up in prison.
In 2021, the Supreme Court overturned Lula’s ruling for procedural violations. This paved the way for the 78-year-old, who wants to do it again. Will this be the last time he will run? Nothing is impossible with Lula.
