(1) Born in 1945, Luiz Inácio da Silva, who in 1982 would have the nickname
LULA attached to his name, is not sure the exact day of his birth, whether is
on the 6th or on the 27th
of October; his father says it was on the 6th while his
mother states it was on the 27th .
(2) In 1952, his family
followed the ordinary destination of thousands of people who live in the north
east of Brazil. Running away from poverty and starvation, they migrated to São
Paulo looking for a new life. Things change, but didn’t get a lot better. Lula
was 14 when he founds his first official job, in a steel industry, working 12
hours per day. At this time, a partner who worked with him fell asleep while working
and Lula lost his little finger in an accident at work.
(3) Few years later, his
brother, a priest called Father Chico, introduces him to the union movement.
This was the beginning of a career in politics that can possibly end up in
Brasilia next year. After being secretary of the union, he became its president
and led the workmen in the biggest strike during the period of military
dictatorship.
(4) In his private life, he
also had a disappointment before reaching happiness. First, he married Maria de
Lourdes and, when they were going to have a baby, she and their son died during
the childbirth. After a while, he has had first daughter, Lurian, and then he
started a family with Marisa, with who he is still married and lives with their
kids.
(5) In 1980, he founded the
Workers’ Party, PT, and began fighting for democracy in Brazil. In 1986 there
was an election for representatives to elaborate the new constitution. Lula was
elected as the most voted deputy in the country. Since then Lula has never occupied
any other post in public administration. He has been trying to become the
president, and, after four tries, this is the most likely to be successful.
(6) Despite the routes he
had, he has never given up fighting for the best to the country. In 1992 he
led Collor’s impeachment. After almost
30 years of military dictatorship, people chose as president someone who would
steal the country. It was a shame for us but, at least, he was removed from
power.
(7) The Workers’ Party kept
growing on in politics, electing more and more representatives in Legislative,
and Lula kept on his journey to become president; travelling all around the
country to know about people’s needs. In the election of 1998, FHC was
re-elected, Lula was one more time almost the president, but the party was very
successful in local voting.
(8) This year, after all
Brazil has been passing through, it might be his chance; and next week we’ll
see!