Lula da Silva Bio: From Prison to President – Age, Wife, Net Worth & The “Missing Finger” Truth

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, widely known simply as Lula, is a defining figure in modern Latin American history and the current President of Brazil (2023–present). A former metalworker and union leader who rose from extreme poverty to the highest office in the land, Lula previously served as president from 2003 to 2010, overseeing a period of robust economic growth and social transformation.

Now in his third non-consecutive term, the 80-year-old leader remains a pivotal global voice on climate change, poverty alleviation, and the geopolitical shifts of the Global South.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Born into a destitute farming family in the semi-arid backlands of Pernambuco, Lula was the seventh of eight children. His family migrated to the industrial state of São Paulo in 1952, traveling for 13 days on the back of a truck (a pau-de-arara) in search of a better life.

• Upbringing: He grew up in the back of a bar and worked from age 12 as a shoe shiner and street vendor to support his family.
• Education: Lula had little formal education, quitting school after the fourth grade. However, in 1964, he completed a technical course as a lathe operator at SENAI (National Service for Industrial Training), which was his gateway to the industrial workforce.
• Early Struggles: At age 19, he lost the pinky finger of his left hand in a press accident while working at an automobile parts factory, an injury that became a visible symbol of his working-class roots.

Career Journey

Union Leadership (1960s–1980)

Lula’s political career began in the trade unions of São Bernardo do Campo.¹⁰ Under the military dictatorship, he led massive strikes in the late 1970s that challenged the regime and demanded fair wages.

• 1975: Elected president of the Steelworkers’ Union of São Bernardo do Campo and Diadema.
• 1980: Co-founded the Workers’ Party (PT), creating a political voice for Brazil’s labor movement.

The Path to the Presidency (1989–2002)

Lula ran for president three times (1989, 1994, and 1998) and lost each time. He gradually moderated his radical image to appeal to the middle class and business sectors.

• 2002 Victory: Running on a platform of “Peace and Love,” Lula finally won the presidency, becoming the first working-class president of Brazil.

First Presidency (2003–2010)

During his first two terms, Lula rode the commodities boom to transform Brazil.

• Bolsa Família: His flagship social welfare program helped lift tens of millions of Brazilians out of poverty.
• Economic Growth: Brazil became the world’s 6th largest economy.
• Approval Rating: He left office with an unprecedented 80%+ approval rating.

Imprisonment & Comeback (2014–2022)

• Operation Car Wash: Post-presidency, Lula was investigated for corruption. He was convicted in 2017 and imprisoned in 2018 for 580 days.
• Annulment: In 2021, the Supreme Federal Court annulled his convictions, ruling the presiding judge was biased, clearing his path to run again.
• 2022 Election: In a polarized race, he defeated incumbent Jair Bolsonaro by a narrow margin (50.9% to 49.1%).

Current Presidency (2023–Present)

Sworn in on January 1, 2023, his third term focuses on:

• Environmental Protection: Reducing Amazon deforestation which had spiked under the previous administration.
• Global Diplomacy: Re-establishing Brazil as a leader in the Global South and hosting the G20 (2024) and COP30 (2025).
• 2025 Activity: In early 2025, Lula signed a decree raising the minimum wage to R$ 1,518 and mandated a national roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Personal Life

Lula is known for his charisma and emotional connection with supporters.

• Marriages:
  • Maria de Lourdes (1969–1971): Died of hepatitis during childbirth.
  • Marisa Letícia (1974–2017): Brazil’s First Lady for two terms; they were married for 43 years until her death from a stroke.
  • Rosângela “Janja” da Silva (2022–Present): A sociologist and longtime PT member. She plays an active role in his current administration.
• Health: In 2011, Lula was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he successfully treated with chemotherapy. In 2023, he underwent hip replacement surgery.

Awards & Achievements

• World Food Prize (2011): For his commitment to ending hunger.
• Prince of Asturias Award (2003): For International Cooperation.
• Indira Gandhi Prize (2010): For Peace, Disarmament, and Development.
• Time 100: Multiple listings as one of the most influential people in the world.
• Order of the Southern Cross: Grand Master.

Physical Statistics

Salary & Net Worth

Net Worth 2025: ~$1.5 Million (R$ 7.4 Million)

According to his assets declaration to the Electoral Justice in 2022, Lula’s net worth was approximately R$ 7.4 million (roughly $1.5 million USD).

• Assets: This includes three apartments, a plot of land, cars, and bank investments.
• Correction: Unlike many world leaders who amass massive fortunes, his declared wealth is relatively consistent with a lifetime of high-level salaries and speaking engagements (post-2010 presidency).

Annual Salary

• Monthly Salary: Approximately R$ 46,366 (Gross).
• Take-home Pay: After taxes and party contributions, he has stated his net pay is around R$ 21,000 to R$ 25,000 per month.
• Comparison: While comfortable, this is modest compared to CEOs or leaders of larger Western economies.

Controversies

• Mensalão Scandal (2005): A vote-buying scheme involving his party that threatened his administration, though he was not directly implicated.
• Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato): The massive corruption investigation that led to his imprisonment. While his convictions were annulled due to procedural errors and judicial bias, the scandal remains a polarizing topic in Brazil.
• Datena Appointment (2025): In early 2025, Lula faced backlash from journalist associations for appointing controversial TV host José Luiz Datena to anchor programs on the public broadcaster EBC.

Interesting Facts

• Football Fanatic: He is a die-hard supporter of Corinthians, a major São Paulo football club.
• Cinema: His life inspired the film Lula, o Filho do Brasil (Lula, the Son of Brazil), which was Brazil’s entry for the Oscars in 2010.
• No Degree: He is one of the few world leaders to reach such heights without a university degree, holding only a technical diploma.
• Survivor: He has survived throat cancer, political imprisonment, and the loss of two wives.

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @LulaOficial (Over 8M followers)
• Instagram: @lulaoficial
• Facebook: Lula
• Official Website: lula.com.br

FAQs

1. How old is Lula da Silva in 2025?

Lula is currently 79 years old. He will celebrate his 80th birthday on October 27, 2025.

2. Is Lula da Silva currently married?

Yes, he married Rosângela da Silva, known as “Janja,” in May 2022.34

3. What is Lula’s missing finger story?

He lost the pinky finger on his left hand at age 19 while working as a press operator in an automobile parts factory.35 He often uses his four-fingered hand as a symbol of his identity as a worker.

4. What is Lula’s current net worth?

His declared net worth is approximately R$ 7.4 million (around $1.5 million USD), consisting mostly of real estate and investments.

5. Which political party does Lula belong to?

He is a founding member of the Workers’ Party (PT – Partido dos Trabalhadores).

Conclusion

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remains a titan of Brazilian politics, embodying a rare mix of charismatic populism and pragmatic governance. From a shoe-shine boy to a three-time President, his journey is a testament to resilience. As he navigates his term in 2025, the world watches to see how he balances economic challenges with his ambitious environmental and social agendas.

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