known as Lula
born Oct. 6, 1945, Garanhuns, Pernambuco state, Braz.
Leader of Brazil's leftist Workers' Party.
A former factory worker, Lula helped build a labour union movement into an important political party. In 1988 his party swept the municipal elections of São Paulo and other major cities. A leading contender for president in 1989, 1995, and 1998, proposing policies to help Brazil's working class, he lost each time to more conservative candidates. In 2002, however, he was successful in his bid for the presidency. See also Fernando Collor de Mello .