Who is Guilherme Boulos?
Guilherme Boulos was born in São Paulo in 1982 and studied philosophy at the University of São Paulo. He became known as national coordinator of the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST). He was the PSOL presidential candidate in 2018 and ran for Mayor of São Paulo in 2020 and 2024, reaching the runoff both times; he lost to Ricardo Nunes in October 2024 with about 41 percent. He was elected federal deputy in 2022 with about one million votes, the most in São Paulo state. In October 2025 President Lula appointed him to head the General Secretariat of the Presidency, which required him to give up running for re-election to the Chamber. He was not a candidate in 2026. In late September 2026 he took unpaid leave from the ministry to work on Lula's re-election campaign, which Lula won in the runoff on 25 October 2026.
Previously: Federal deputy for São Paulo (2023-2025), leader of the PSOL bench in 2023 · PSOL candidate for Mayor of São Paulo (2020 and 2024, runner-up both times) · PSOL presidential candidate (2018) · National coordinator of the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST)
Documented positions
- Called ending the six-day working week the government's absolute legislative priority for 2026, with a 40-hour week and no pay cut.Source: sbtnews.sbt.com.br
- Campaigned for the income tax exemption up to R$5,000 a month, financed by higher taxes on very high incomes.Source: bahianoticias.com.br
- His 2024 mayoral programme proposed a gradual expansion of fare-free buses and a review of bus operator contracts.Source: istoedinheiro.com.br
- His 2024 programme of 119 proposals included a health service hub intended to end waiting lists in the public health system.Source: istoedinheiro.com.br
- Proposed doubling the São Paulo municipal guard and joint security work with the state governor and federal government.Source: seudinheiro.com
- Described abortion in 2018 as a public health issue to be handled with respect for women's rights.Source: oantagonista.com.br
- Stated that his aim as minister was to bring the Lula government closer to social movements such as the MST and MTST.Source: istoe.com.br
Record
Boulos rose through the housing movement, which organised occupations of vacant buildings and land to press for housing policy. In Congress he led the PSOL bench in 2023. As minister he acted as a government voice on the amendment ending the six-day working week, which the Chamber of Deputies approved in May 2026 and Congress promulgated in October 2026.
Supporters cite his work on housing and labour rights and his ability to win large vote totals. Critics on the right point to the MTST's occupations of private property.
In their words
“A prioridade absoluta do governo na pauta legislativa para esse ano é votar e aprovar o fim da escala 6x1.”
