It Could Happen Here The Brazilian Election Part 1: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
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Nov 1, 2022 Delve into the remarkable journey of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, tracing his roots from poverty to becoming a prominent union leader. Learn about the tumultuous Brazilian election, marked by Lula's narrow victory and Bolsonaro's chaotic response. Discover how Lula navigated labor repression and built a powerful workers’ movement. Explore his strategic political shifts and successful social programs that aimed to reduce poverty. The episode unveils the complexities of governing within a capitalist framework and hints at future challenges for Lula and the left.
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Narrow, Contentious Comeback
- Lula won a narrow, contested election amid voter suppression and a chaotic Bolsonaro response.
- The margin fell from his prior 60% wins to about 50.8%, signaling deep polarization and weakened support.
Humble Origins In Industrial São Paulo
- Lula grew up poor in Brazil's northeast and migrated to São Paulo's ABC industrial region as a child.
- He left school after fifth grade and trained as a skilled metalworker through a government apprenticeship.
ABC Region Built Lula's Base
- Skilled metalworkers formed a highly knowledgeable industrial working class central to Brazil's mid-century boom.
- The ABC region's rapid industrial growth created Lula's political base and the conditions for mass labor organizing.
