Lula da Silva, Luiz Inácio

Lula da Silva, Luiz Inácio

 known as Lula

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 2005.

(credit: AP)

(born Oct. 27, 1945, Garanhuns, Pernambuco state, Braz.) Leader of Brazil's leftist Workers' Party. A former factory worker, Lula helped build a labour union movement into an important political party. In 1988 his party swept the municipal elections of São Paulo and other major cities. A leading contender for president in 1989, 1994, and 1998, proposing policies to help Brazil's working class, he lost each time to more-conservative candidates. In 2002, however, he was successful in his bid for the presidency. During his first term Lula oversaw a growing economy and a reduction in the poverty rate. Despite a corruption scandal that involved members of his party, Lula was reelected in 2006.