Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research
6 minute read
Updated 7:25 AM EST, Tue January 3, 2023
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks during a campaign rally in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2022.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks during a campaign rally in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2022.
Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Lula sits for a picture with his sister in 1949.
Lula sits for a picture with his sister in 1949.
Instituto Lula
Lula is seen as a young man in an undated photo from the 1960s.
Lula is seen as a young man in an undated photo from the 1960s.
Instituto Lula
Lula is lifted by his metalworker colleagues after a union rally in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, in 1979. He became a metalworker in 1966 and was elected president of the metalworkers Union in 1975.
Lula is lifted by his metalworker colleagues after a union rally in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, in 1979. He became a metalworker in 1966 and was elected president of the metalworkers Union in 1975.
Claudinei Petroli/AFP/Getty Images
Lula poses for a mugshot in 1980 after being arrested for organizing a metalworkers union strike. He spent 31 days in jail.
Lula poses for a mugshot in 1980 after being arrested for organizing a metalworkers union strike. He spent 31 days in jail.
Instituto Lula
As a first-time presidential candidate, Lula displays his vote before placing it in a ballot box in Rio de Janeiro in 1989. Lula ran in Brazil's first democratic elections since 1960.
As a first-time presidential candidate, Lula displays his vote before placing it in a ballot box in Rio de Janeiro in 1989. Lula ran in Brazil's first democratic elections since 1960.
Claudio Rossi/AFP/Getty Images
Lula speaks at a Worker's Party rally in São Bernarrdo do Campo in 1989.
Lula speaks at a Worker's Party rally in São Bernarrdo do Campo in 1989.
Antonio Ribeiro/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Cuban leader Fidel Castro, left, speaks with Lula during a political gathering of some nearly 100,000 students in Havana, Cuba, in 2000. The two were known to be longtime friends.
Cuban leader Fidel Castro, left, speaks with Lula during a political gathering of some nearly 100,000 students in Havana, Cuba, in 2000. The two were known to be longtime friends.
Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images
Lula speaks during debate with students and teachers at the University of Brasília in 2002. He lost his left pinky finger at the age of 19 while working in an automobile parts factory.
Lula speaks during debate with students and teachers at the University of Brasília in 2002. He lost his left pinky finger at the age of 19 while working in an automobile parts factory.
Eraldo Peres/AP
Lula waves to supporters after casting his ballot in his hometown of São Bernardo do Campo in 2002. This was Lula's second presidential run where he would go on to win with 61.3% of the vote.
Lula waves to supporters after casting his ballot in his hometown of São Bernardo do Campo in 2002. This was Lula's second presidential run where he would go on to win with 61.3% of the vote.
Paulo Whitaker/Reuters
Lula waves to supporters with his wife Marisa after he received the presidential sash at his inauguration in Brasília in 2003.
Lula waves to supporters with his wife Marisa after he received the presidential sash at his inauguration in Brasília in 2003.
Sergio Moraes/Reuters
Lula and his wife Marisa pose for a picture in front of Egypt's pyramids in Giza in 2003.
Lula and his wife Marisa pose for a picture in front of Egypt's pyramids in Giza in 2003.
Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images
Lula speaks during the 2005 World Summit at the 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Lula speaks during the 2005 World Summit at the 60th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez speaks with Lula during the laying of the foundation stone of an oil refinery in Recife, Brazil, in 2005. The refinery would be built by the two national oil companies, Pedevesa from Venezuela and Petrobras from Brazil.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez speaks with Lula during the laying of the foundation stone of an oil refinery in Recife, Brazil, in 2005. The refinery would be built by the two national oil companies, Pedevesa from Venezuela and Petrobras from Brazil.
Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images
From left, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lula and South African President Thabo Mbeki shake hands in Brasília at the Brazil-India-South Africa summit in 2006.
From left, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lula and South African President Thabo Mbeki shake hands in Brasília at the Brazil-India-South Africa summit in 2006.
Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images
A family in Serra Azul, Brazil, watches Lula speak on TV in 2006. Elaine and Lola are beneficiaries of the "Bolsa Família" program, a social plan created by Lula during the first year of his presidency. It was a widely successful program that gave millions of Brazilians living in poverty a monthly pension.
A family in Serra Azul, Brazil, watches Lula speak on TV in 2006. Elaine and Lola are beneficiaries of the "Bolsa Família" program, a social plan created by Lula during the first year of his presidency. It was a widely successful program that gave millions of Brazilians living in poverty a monthly pension.
Vanderlei Almeida/AFP/Getty Images
Lula kisses the Brazilian flag as he leaves after casting his vote in São Bernardo do Campo in 2006. Lula ran for his second term in 2006, winning on a run-off vote.
Lula kisses the Brazilian flag as he leaves after casting his vote in São Bernardo do Campo in 2006. Lula ran for his second term in 2006, winning on a run-off vote.
Vanderlei Almeida/AFP/Getty Images
Lula waves as he climbs up the Planalto Palace ramp beside Vice President José Alencar Gomes da Silva during his 2007 inauguration ceremony in Brasília.
Lula waves as he climbs up the Planalto Palace ramp beside Vice President José Alencar Gomes da Silva during his 2007 inauguration ceremony in Brasília.
Antonio Scorza/AFP/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Lula prior to a working session of the G8 leaders in 2007 in Heiligendamm, Germany.
Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Lula prior to a working session of the G8 leaders in 2007 in Heiligendamm, Germany.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Lula poses with indigenous Brazilians at the Planalto Palace in Brasília in 2007 after signing a decree that created six news indigenous territories.
Lula poses with indigenous Brazilians at the Planalto Palace in Brasília in 2007 after signing a decree that created six news indigenous territories.
Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images
Chinese leader Hu Jintao greets Lula at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, China, in 2008.
Chinese leader Hu Jintao greets Lula at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, China, in 2008.
Guang Niu/Getty Images
Lula waves a Brazilian flag while posing for a picture in 2008 with workers of the Brasil-Fels shipyard, who built the Petrobras oil platform in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.
Lula waves a Brazilian flag while posing for a picture in 2008 with workers of the Brasil-Fels shipyard, who built the Petrobras oil platform in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.
Presidencia/AFP/Getty Images
President Barack Obama greets Lula during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in 2009.
President Barack Obama greets Lula during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in 2009.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
Lula celebrates with members of the Brazilian Olympic delegation, including football legend Pele, in Copenhagen in 2009 after it was announced that Rio de Janeiro had won the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.<br />
Lula celebrates with members of the Brazilian Olympic delegation, including football legend Pele, in Copenhagen in 2009 after it was announced that Rio de Janeiro had won the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Charles Dharapak/AFP/Getty Images
Lula and then-Chief of Staff Dilma Rousseff talk during a ceremony celebrating International Womens' Day in Brasília in 2009. Rousseff would go on to become Brazil's next president after being handpicked from the Worker's Party as Lula's successor.
Lula and then-Chief of Staff Dilma Rousseff talk during a ceremony celebrating International Womens' Day in Brasília in 2009. Rousseff would go on to become Brazil's next president after being handpicked from the Worker's Party as Lula's successor.
Roberto Jayme/Reuters
Lula arrives at a hospital in São Paulo in 2011 for his third and final session of chemotherapy. He was diagnosed with larynx cancer October of that year.
Lula arrives at a hospital in São Paulo in 2011 for his third and final session of chemotherapy. He was diagnosed with larynx cancer October of that year.
Helvio Romero/Agencia Estado/AP
Outgoing President Lula da Silva and his wife Marisa leave the Planalto Palace with newly sworn-in Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Vice President Michel Temer in Brasilia in 2011. Rousseff beat opposition candidate Jose Serra in a run-off election to become the South American nation's first female president.
Outgoing President Lula da Silva and his wife Marisa leave the Planalto Palace with newly sworn-in Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Vice President Michel Temer in Brasilia in 2011. Rousseff beat opposition candidate Jose Serra in a run-off election to become the South American nation's first female president.
Mauricio Lima/AFP/Getty Images
Lula attends a news conference in São Paulo in 2016. He was facing corruption charges, which eventually led to his imprisonment. The sentences were later annulled, paving the way for him to run for re-election.
Lula attends a news conference in São Paulo in 2016. He was facing corruption charges, which eventually led to his imprisonment. The sentences were later annulled, paving the way for him to run for re-election.
Lalo de Almeida/The New York Times/Redux
Lula watches from the gallery as President Rousseff testifies on the Senate floor during her 2016 impeachment trial in Brasilia. She was found guilty of breaking budgetary laws and removed from office.
Lula watches from the gallery as President Rousseff testifies on the Senate floor during her 2016 impeachment trial in Brasilia. She was found guilty of breaking budgetary laws and removed from office.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Lula is released from prison in Curitiba, Brazil, in 2019. Lula started serving a 12-year sentence for corruption and money laundering in April 2018. His early release was made possible by a Brazilian Supreme Court decision that determined defendants can remain free until they have exhausted all appeals. That ruling reversed a previous decision that had helped put dozens of powerful politicians and business leaders behind bars.
Lula is released from prison in Curitiba, Brazil, in 2019. Lula started serving a 12-year sentence for corruption and money laundering in April 2018. His early release was made possible by a Brazilian Supreme Court decision that determined defendants can remain free until they have exhausted all appeals. That ruling reversed a previous decision that had helped put dozens of powerful politicians and business leaders behind bars.
Henry Milleo/AFP/Getty Images
Lula addresses supporters during a campaign rally in Rio de Janeiro in September 2022.
Lula addresses supporters during a campaign rally in Rio de Janeiro in September 2022.
Francisco Proner/Agence VU/Redux
Lula greets supporters in São Paulo on the eve of the general election in October 2022.
Lula greets supporters in São Paulo on the eve of the general election in October 2022.
Victor Moriyama/The New York Times/Redux
Lula's hands are seen during a meeting with Franciscan friars at his campaign headquarters in São Paulo in October 2022.
Lula's hands are seen during a meeting with Franciscan friars at his campaign headquarters in São Paulo in October 2022.
Nelson Almeida/AFP/Getty Images
Lula votes in the run-off election in São Bernardo do Campo on Sunday, October 30.
Lula votes in the run-off election in São Bernardo do Campo on Sunday, October 30.
Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
Lula celebrates with supporters in São Paulo after winning the run-off election October 30.
Lula celebrates with supporters in São Paulo after winning the run-off election October 30.
Carla Carniel/Reuters
Rosângela Lula da Silva embraces her husband, Lula, at the Planalto Palace after he was sworn in as president in Brasília on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Rosângela Lula da Silva embraces her husband, Lula, at the Planalto Palace after he was sworn in as president in Brasília on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Eraldo Peres/AP
In pictures: Brazil's President, Lula da Silva
CNN  — 

Here’s a look at the life of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil.

Personal

Birth date: October 27, 1945

Birth place: Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil

Father: Aristedes Inacio da Silva, agriculture worker

Mother: Euridice Ferreira de Mello, seamstress

Marriages: Rosangela Silva (May 18, 2022-present); Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva (1974-2017, her death); Maria de Lourdes Lula da Silva (1969-1971, her death)

Children: with Marisa Leticia Lula da Silva: Luis Claudio, Sandro, Fabio and Marcos (from her first marriage and adopted by Lula da Silva); with Miriam Cordeiro: Lurian

Other Facts

He goes by the nickname Lula, which he formally added to his name in 1982.

Lula da Silva’s father was against education and believed supporting the family was more important, so Lula da Silva didn’t learn to read until age 10.

He left school completely after the fifth grade to work full-time.

He has nine fingers, having lost the little finger on his left hand in a work accident.

His first wife died of hepatitis in her eighth month of pregnancy along with the child.

Unhappy with the lack of political representation of the working class in Brazil, he decided to get involved in politics.

Lula da Silva is a founding member of Partido dos Trabalhadores, the Workers’ Party.

Believes that global institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization favor rich nations and must be revamped to address the needs of developing nations, where most of the world’s population lives.

He was a longtime friend of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro and visited him in September 2003. Castro backed all of his presidential runs.

Timeline

1966 - Becomes a metalworker and is active in the metalworkers union.

1975 - Elected president of the metalworkers union.

March 10, 1980 - Helps found the Workers’ Party.

April 19-May 19, 1980 - As one of the leaders of a metalworkers union strike, is arrested after police confront workers. He is held for 31 days.

November 1982 - Comes in fourth in the gubernatorial race for the state of Sao Paulo.

1983 - Helps found the Central Única dos Trabalhadores, a national trade union confederation.

1986 - Elected to the Brazilian congress.

1989, 1994 and 1998 - Is the Workers’ Party candidate for president; he comes in second each time.

October 27, 2002 - Is elected president in a runoff election with 61.3% of the vote.