In 1980, Luiz Inacio Lula De Silva started his political career by staging protests against the military dictatorship. He was among the earlier proponents of democracy who practically led movements to demand democratic elections in Brazil. He soon established his own party, known as the Workers’ party, adapting a left-wing ideology.
In the elections of 2002, Lula finally succeeded in obtaining Brazil’s presidency. Under his Presidency, Brazil’s GDP reached the highest ever recorded. As the economy grew stronger, a social welfare program was established under the banner of Bolsa Familia. Parents, who sent their children to school and ensured that they also got doses of a government sponsored vaccination programme, were given stipends to ensure government support.
In 2016, a government-based investigation led to the imprisonment of Lula and many other political leaders of Worker’s party under the guise of corruption charges. In 2019, Lula was released by the Brazilian Supreme Court and that was the beginning of another era of Lula’s political career. If you’re intrigued by the risks and rewards of Lula’s career, many online slot games will give you a similar excitement.
Beginning of Lula’s Political Career
In the 1980s when most of the developed countries had already adapted democratic values, Brazil was still under the control of military dictatorship. Various factory workers were frustrated with its policies and Lula was one of them. After becoming the union leader, Lula began to stage pro-democracy protests to demand democratic elections in Brail.
In 1989, the first ever Brazilian elections were held but unfortunately Lula lost due to a lack of support. He lost the 2 successive elections of 1994 and 1998 as well and it is then that he realized he had to transform his campaign strategy. Lula began by adding right-wing leaders in his party to gain the support of business owners and the elite class.
Having the support of both the left and the right-wingers, Lula finally sweeped the elections and eventually became the president of Brazil in 2002. Beginning by transforming the economy of Brazil, Lula also led to the strengthening of the social welfare system of the country.
Lula’s Popularity During His Previous Term
Under Lula’s Presidency, the government of Brazil initiated trade partnership with China that led to the strengthening of the Brazilian economy. This enabled Lula to initiate a social welfare program, Bolsa Familia which skyrocketed his popularity by enabling low-income families to benefit from government stipends based on fulfillment of some requirements.
During the reign of Lula, GDP was the highest ever in Brazilian history with a great approval rating of 90%. Even though there were rumors of Lula’s involvement in corruption, his high approval rating led him to another presidential run victory in 2006.
By the end of his second term, Lula announced Rousseff to be his successor. Having the support of Lula and all of his coalition, Rousseff did not really have to struggle to win the 2010 elections. However, she was not able to meet the expectations the people had for Lula’s successor.
Lula’s Triumph in Brazil’s Recent Elections
Even after being convicted of corruption charges and spending time in prison, Lula’s popularity has stood tall amongst the public. After being annulled of his convictions, Lula started his Presidential campaign for the 2022 elections of Brazil and emerged victorious.
Lula finished the first round with 48% of the vote, leading to a second round run-off with Bolsonaro. Among the 99% public votes in the second round, Lula was able to acquire 50.9%. Narrowly beating Bolsonaro, Lula has once again become the president of Brazil and the future of the country lies in his hands.
The Future of Brazil as promised by Lula?
“We want to come back, so no one ever again dares to challenge our democracy”- Lula.
During his campaign, Lula emerged as the pro-democracy candidate as opposed to Bolsonaro. He promised to restore the rights of the media that were stripped away by the former President.
Lula has never had to face such a strong opposition in the past, which gave him the freedom to run things on his own. However, things might be different now in the presence of a very strong opposition from Bolsonaro.