Lula da Silva

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won the 2002 Brazilian presidential election, becoming the first left-wing president in decades. His victory represented a major shift in Brazilian politics and was seen as a triumph for the working class.

Lula's government launched the Bolsa Fam

During Lula's two terms (2003-2010), Brazil experienced strong economic growth, reduced inflation, and a significant decrease in income inequality. His policies combined fiscal responsibility with social spending, leading to record popularity.

Lula was convicted of corruption and money laundering in connection with the Lava Jato scandal. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and began serving his sentence in April 2018, which barred him from running in the 2018 presidential election.

In 2021, Brazil's Supreme Court overturned Lula's convictions on procedural grounds, restoring his political rights. He subsequently ran for president in 2022 and defeated incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, returning to office for a third term.