Who is Lula?
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was born in Pernambuco in 1945 and became a metalworkers' union leader in São Paulo before co-founding the Workers' Party in 1980. He served as a federal deputy and was President of Brazil from 2003 to 2010. He was convicted of corruption in 2017 in the Car Wash investigations and spent 580 days in prison; the Supreme Federal Court annulled the convictions in 2021 on procedural grounds, ruling that the trial court lacked jurisdiction. He won the 2022 election and took office in January 2023. In the first round on 4 October 2026 he received 45.16 percent of valid votes to Flávio Bolsonaro's 47.03 percent. He won the runoff on 25 October 2026 with 51.79 percent to 48.21 percent, according to the Superior Electoral Court, securing a fourth term. Under a 2021 constitutional amendment, the new term begins on 5 January 2027.
Previously: Re-elected President in the 25 October 2026 runoff; fourth term begins 5 January 2027 · President of Brazil (2003-2010) · Federal deputy for São Paulo (1987-1991) · President of the ABC Metalworkers' Union (1975-1981)
Documented positions
- His 2026 programme keeps the fiscal framework that limits primary spending growth while promising higher public and private investment.Source: congressoemfoco.com.br
- Backed ending the six-day working week and cutting the maximum week to 40 hours without pay cuts, a constitutional amendment Congress promulgated in October 2026.Source: poder360.com.br
- Backs keeping the income tax exemption for monthly earnings up to R$5,000 and taxes on exclusive funds and offshore investments.Source: bpmoney.com.br
- Plans to use state companies and public banks as investment tools, including a return of Petrobras to fuel distribution.Source: bpmoney.com.br
- Proposes a Ministry of Public Security, wider use of police body cameras and continued arms control policies.Source: congressoemfoco.com.br
- Called on US President Donald Trump in June 2026 not to interfere in Brazil's elections after US tariffs and sanctions on Brazilian officials.Source: aljazeera.com
- Has described Israel's military campaign in Gaza as a genocide; after his February 2024 remarks Israel summoned Brazil's ambassador.Source: aljazeera.com
- His government has viewed the US-led Shield of the Americas security alliance with reservations, citing concern over foreign interference, while Flávio Bolsonaro pledged to seek membership.Source: metropoles.com
Record
In his current term his government expanded Bolsa Família, passed a consumption tax reform and a new fiscal framework, and widened the income tax exemption, with the cost offset by a minimum tax on high incomes. In October 2026 Congress promulgated the amendment ending the six-day working week. Official figures show Amazon deforestation falling to its lowest level in over a decade. Supporters cite these social and environmental results and his defence of Brazilian sovereignty against US tariffs.
Critics cite public debt, which reached 82.9 percent of GDP in August 2026 according to central bank data, Congress overturning a decree on a financial transactions tax in 2025, oil block auctions alongside climate pledges, and his statements on Ukraine and Gaza.
In their words
“What's happening in the Gaza Strip isn't a war, it's a genocide.”
