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Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, is a Brazilian politician and former union leader who has served as President of Brazil since 2023, and previously from 2003 to 2010.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, is a Brazilian politician and former union leader who has served as President of Brazil since 2023, and previously from 2003 to 2010. He was first elected in 2002 and became the first Brazilian to be elected president three times by popular vote.

Early life and union career

Lula was born in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, on 27 October 1945. He later became a metalworker and rose to prominence through union activity, which became the foundation of his political career.

Presidency

Lula was elected president in 2002, re-elected in 2006, and returned to office in 2023 after winning the 2022 election. His presidency is closely associated with social policy, economic management, and Brazil’s international profile.

Political significance

Lula is widely regarded as a central figure in modern Brazilian politics. His repeated election victories made him the first Brazilian to be elected president three times by direct popular vote.

Public image and party affiliation

Lula is strongly identified with the Workers’ Party (PT) and with labour politics. He remains a highly influential and polarising figure in Brazil.

Key facts

  • Lula is a Brazilian politician and former union leader who served as president from 2003 to 2011 and again from 2023.
  • He was first elected president in 2002 and is the first Brazilian elected to the presidency three times by popular vote.
  • Lula is associated with the Workers’ Party (PT) and began his public career in union leadership.
  • He was born in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, in 1945.
  • Contemporary reporting indicated he planned to seek a fourth term in Brazil’s 2026 election cycle.
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Canadian context

Lula is relevant to Canadian readers through Brazil–Canada relations, trade, climate diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation in the Americas and at global forums.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva?
He is a Brazilian politician, former union leader, and former metalworker who has served as President of Brazil since 2023 and previously from 2003 to 2010.
Why is he called Lula?
Lula is his widely used nickname and byname; it is the name he is commonly known by in Brazil and internationally.
When was Lula first elected president?
He was first elected president in 2002 and began his first term on 1 January 2003.
How many times has Lula been president?
He has served three presidential terms in non-consecutive periods: 2003–2011 and again from 2023 onward.
What political party is Lula associated with?
He is associated with Brazil’s Workers’ Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT).
Has Lula said he may run again?
BBC reporting in 2026 said he had announced plans to seek a fourth presidential term in Brazil’s next election cycle.

References

  1. Portal Gov.br — https://www.gov.br/planalto/en/composition/biography-president-of-the-republic
    Supports: Official biography; first elected president in 2002; three-time president by popular vote.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Luiz-Inacio-Lula-da-Silva
    Supports: Birth date and place; nickname; political affiliation; presidency.
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/world/americas/luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva-fast-facts
    Supports: Background, Workers’ Party role, and return to office in 2023.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdeg2j45p2xo
    Supports: 2026 report that Lula planned to seek a fourth presidential term.