President Lula’s Democratic Role

President Lula of Brazil has just completed two years, half of his 4-year mandate. It seemed like a perfect time to ask ChatGPT how is president Lula in his role as the President in Brazil? And the reason for me asking such a question is because many people slag him off for overspending and ruining Brazil’s economy.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, inaugurated for his third term in January 2023, has implemented several policies aimed at addressing social inequality and stimulating economic growth in Brazil.​

Economic and Social Policies

• Minimum Wage and Income Tax Reforms: Lula increased the minimum wage from R$1,302 to R$1,320 in February 2023, with a further rise to R$1,412 in January 2024. He also raised the income tax exemption threshold to R$2,640 in early 2023 and to R$2,824 in February 2024, aiming to enhance the purchasing power of lower-income Brazilians. ​

• Bolsa Família Program: Reinstating and restructuring the Bolsa Família program, Lula ensured a monthly payment of R$600 per family, increased to an average of R$705.40 by mid-2023. This initiative reportedly lifted over 43.5 million people above the poverty line as of June 2023. ​ 

• Housing Initiatives: The "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" program was relaunched in February 2023, targeting the construction of over 2 million homes for low-income families by the end of 2026. ​ 

• Tax Reform Proposal: In March 2025, Lula proposed exempting individuals earning up to R$5,000 per month from income tax, offsetting the revenue loss by increasing taxes on high earners and profits sent abroad. This proposal aims to promote tax equity and requires congressional approval to take effect in 2026. ​

  
  

Economic Performance

Brazil's economy grew by 1.9% in the first quarter of 2023 and 0.9% in the second quarter, surpassing expectations. Factors contributing to this growth include reduced inflation, a strong agricultural harvest, and an improved credit rating.

Public Perception

Lula's approval ratings have fluctuated during his current term. A Datafolha poll in October 2024 showed a slight increase to 36% from 35% in July 2024. However, rising costs of essential goods, such as a 40% surge in coffee prices due to extreme weather, have contributed to public dissatisfaction and a decline in his popularity according to Reuters.

International Relations

Lula has actively sought to reassert Brazil's presence on the global stage, focusing on climate diplomacy and multilateral engagements. His administration maintains relationships with both Western nations and emerging powers like China and Russia, adopting a non-aligned foreign policy stance. This approach has sometimes caused tension with traditional Western allies, especially regarding conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.

In summary, President Lula's administration has prioritized social welfare programs and economic reforms to address inequality and stimulate growth. While these efforts have yielded positive economic indicators, challenges such as inflation and fluctuating public approval persist. On the international front, Lula's balanced diplomatic approach aims to position Brazil as a key global player amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.

Harnessing GDP for prosperity​

As of 2024, Brazil's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached approximately $2.188 trillion USD, with a per capita GDP of $10,296 USD. The economy experienced a 3.4% growth rate in 2024, marking the highest rate since 2021. This growth was primarily driven by robust domestic demand, with significant contributions from consumer spending and capital investments. However, the fourth quarter of 2024 saw a slowdown, with GDP increasing by only 0.2% compared to the previous quarter, indicating potential cooling of economic activity. ​

As of the latest available data, Brazil's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the year 2024 reached R$11.7 trillion, marking a 3.4% increase compared to 2023.

Sectoral Performance in 2024:

• Services: Grew by 3.7%, driven by sectors like trade and other service activities.​

• Industry: Increased by 3.3%, with notable contributions from manufacturing and construction.​

• Agriculture: Contracted by 3.2%, primarily due to adverse climatic conditions affecting key crops such as soybeans and corn.

  
  

Quarterly Growth:

• Third Quarter of 2024: The economy expanded by 0.9% compared to the previous quarter, marking the 13th consecutive quarter of growth.  

• Fourth Quarter of 2024: Growth slowed to 0.2% quarter-over-quarter, indicating a deceleration in economic activity.

Per Capita GDP:

The per capita GDP for 2024 was R$55,247.45, reflecting a 3.0% increase from the previous year.

This data underscores Brazil's continued economic expansion in 2024, albeit with varying performances across different sectors and a noted slowdown in the latter part of the year.

I'm no expert on who runs the country, and can only go by what chatGTP has informed me based on its internet research and the information available. Results are what counts!

I don't take any notice of what biased reporters write. Proof of the pudding is your best bet!

Take care!

Prof. Carl Boniface

Vocabulary builder:

"Slag him off" is a British English phrasal verb that means to criticize someone in an unpleasant, cruel, or harsh way. It can also mean to make fun of someone by verbally attacking them. 

Social welfare (n) = welfare, public assistance 

Albeit (conj.) = although, though, even though, even if

Worth (n) = value, quality, excellence, distinction, virtue, importance, weight, (ant) worthlessness

Proof of the pudding (idiom) = said to mean that you can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced it. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.