Inácio da Silva, Luiz (1945– )

Brazilian politician and trade-union activist, president of Brazil from 2002. In 1980 he founded the Partido de Trabalhadores (PT; Worker's Party), the first independent labour party associated with the autêntico branch of the trade-union movement. By the 1990s it was the the largest left-wing opposition party in the country.

Lula became renowned in Brazil for his strong trade-union links, which originated from his early days as a trade-union activist in a car factory in São Paulo. In 1986, Lula's election as federal deputy enabled him to expand his political career, representing the PT party in congress. The growth of the party continued, with coalitions being formed between other parties. By 1988, the party had majorities in many urban areas, including São Paulo, Vitória, and Porto Alegre.

The appeal of the party ultimately allowed Lula to stand for the 1989 presidency elections, but he lost to Fernando Collor de Mello by a margin of 6%. His attempt to become president in 1994 also failed when Fernando Henrique Cardoso was elected.