Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva biography

Profile

A founding member of the Workers' Party, Lula, as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is known, first ran for governor of the state of São Paulo in 1982, losing. As a member of the Chamber of Deputies and after two failed bids for the presidency, in 2002, Lula decisively defeated José Serra for the presidency. His 8-year tenure was marked by advancements on the economic front but marred by scandals as well.