1 hr ago

Lula Is Brazil’s Left’s Last Hope—and Its Biggest Problem

Lula is the Brazilian Left’s last hope—and its biggest problem · livemint.com

Lula grew up in a poor family in northeastern Brazil.

When he was a child, he traveled by truck for 13 days to reach São Paulo state.

He later worked in a metal factory and lost a finger in an accident.

He became a union leader and eventually Brazil’s president.

Some poorer voters worry that corruption has tainted him.

Even so, many see him as someone who might defend people like them.

Brazil has a very large gap between rich and poor.

More than 100 million people, the poorest half of the population, own less than 3% of household wealth.

Key facts

Childhood journey: Lula spent 13 days traveling by truck to São Paulo state as a child.
Family background: He was the son of illiterate farmworkers from Brazil’s impoverished northeast.
Early work: He became a metalworker.
Factory accident: He lost a finger in a factory accident.
Political path: He rose through the union movement to the presidency.
Wealth inequality: Brazil’s poorest half, more than 100 million people, holds less than 3% of household wealth.
Voter view: Some poorer voters see him as tainted by corruption but still likely to stand up for them.

livemint.com · 2 hrs ago