Lula’s Third Act: 7 Key Updates On Da Silva’s Presidency, Policies, And Global Influence In 2025

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s third, non-consecutive term as President of Brazil continues to be a period of intense domestic and international focus. As of December 2025, the veteran politician is navigating a complex landscape defined by shifting economic priorities, a renewed push for global governance reform, and significant environmental policy decisions. His administration is working hard to translate strong economic performance into lasting political capital, while simultaneously reasserting Brazil’s role as a major player on the world stage, particularly through his leadership of the G20 and participation in key climate summits.

The current narrative surrounding Lula is one of a leader balancing a populist domestic agenda with an ambitious, multipolar foreign policy. His recent actions, including a high-profile veto of environmental provisions and strengthening strategic alliances with global powers like China, underscore his commitment to a pragmatic, results-driven presidency. This deep dive explores the most recent developments, policies, and the enduring legacy of the man known simply as Lula.

The Life and Political Journey of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a figure synonymous with modern Brazilian politics, has one of the most remarkable personal and political biographies in the world. His life story, from severe poverty in the northeast to the highest office in the land, is a testament to the power of organized labor and political perseverance. The following is a profile of the 39th President of Brazil:

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• Full Name: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• Date of Birth: October 27, 1945
• Place of Birth: Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil
• Early Life & Career: Born into poverty, Lula’s working life began at age 12 as a shoe shiner and street vendor. By 14, he was a lathe operator in a copper-processing factory. He lost a finger in a machine accident, an event that spurred his involvement in the trade union movement in São Bernardo do Campo.
• Political Party: Workers' Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores - PT), which he helped found in 1980.
• Union Leadership: He was a key leader in the United Workers' Center (Central Única dos Trabalhadores/CUT) in the 1980s.
• Presidential Terms:
  • 35th President: January 1, 2003 – January 1, 2011 (Two consecutive terms)
  • 39th President: January 1, 2023 – Present (Current third term)
• Key Achievements (First Terms): Implementation of the landmark social program Bolsa Família, which significantly reduced poverty and inequality, making him one of the most popular politicians in Brazilian history, leaving office with an 80% approval rating.
• Controversy: His career was marked by the Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato) investigation, related to the Petrobras scandal, which led to his 2018 conviction and imprisonment. The convictions were later annulled by the Supreme Federal Court in 2021, restoring his political rights.

Lula’s Current Domestic Agenda: Economic Focus and Shifting Popularity

The core of Lula’s current mandate has been centered on delivering a strong economic performance. His main goal for 2024 was to ensure positive economic results that could be translated into political gains and cement public support for his third administration.

Approval Ratings: A Mixed Picture

Lula’s popularity has seen fluctuations, though recent data suggests an upward trend. According to a national survey, his approval rating has risen to 43%, up from 40% earlier in the year. Other polls have placed his approval higher, at 50.2%, marking a slight increase. Importantly, support has improved across several demographics, with women, in particular, expressing greater support than disapproval, at 52% to 45%.

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However, this stability is not universal. Some analyses suggest his popularity is declining halfway through his third term, indicating that the economic recovery and social promises are under constant scrutiny from the Brazilian public.

The Environmental Policy Veto

In a significant move in August 2025, President Lula da Silva vetoed 63 provisions of the new environmental licensing law. This action highlights the ongoing tension between development and conservation in Brazil. While his administration has pledged to protect the Amazon rainforest and combat deforestation, the vetoes suggest a pragmatic approach to legislation, seeking to balance environmental concerns with the need for infrastructure and economic projects.

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Reasserting Global Influence: G20, BRICS, and Multipolarity

Lula has allocated equal importance to Brazilian foreign policy, proactively seeking to re-establish the nation’s presence on the global stage despite persistent domestic challenges. His foreign policy is characterized by a drive for "cooperative multipolarity," a vision of a global order where power is distributed among multiple centers, not dominated by one or two hegemons.

Leadership of the G20 and Global Reform

Brazil’s presidency of the G20 has provided Lula with a powerful platform to push for his vision of a reformed global governance system. He has proposed to "seriously tackle the debate" on reforming these systems, arguing for a "new globalization that fights disparities." This focus on systemic change aims to give a stronger voice to the Global South and challenge the existing international financial and political architecture.

Climate Diplomacy and COP30

Climate change remains a top-tier international priority. Lula spoke at the climate conference COP30 in November 2025, where he committed to taking a fossil fuel phase-out plan to the G20 summit. This commitment positions Brazil as a leader in climate diplomacy, seeking to leverage its status as a major tropical nation to drive global action on emissions reduction and sustainable development.

Strategic Alliances and Geopolitics

Under Lula, Brazil has strengthened its strategic alliance with China, a move that reflects the country’s commitment to BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the broader goal of a multipolar world. Furthermore, his administration is actively engaging in regional and global conflict mediation. In a recent phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro regarding the rising risks of a Venezuela-US conflict, Lula emphasized a diplomatic stance, stating clearly: "We do not want war." This approach underscores Brazil’s desire to act as a neutral and stabilizing force in Latin America and beyond.

The Enduring Legacy and Future Challenges

Lula’s third term is a crucial chapter in his political legacy, often referred to as "Lula 3.0." He faces the monumental task of reviving the social programs that defined his first two terms, such as Bolsa Família (now *Bolsa Família* again after changes by the previous government), while managing a complex political environment at home, including the ongoing shadow of his political rival, former President Jair Bolsonaro. The trial of Bolsonaro on charges related to the 2023 coup attempt remains a significant element of the current political climate.

His administration’s success will ultimately be measured by its ability to sustain economic growth, reduce poverty and inequality, and successfully implement its ambitious foreign policy goals. By championing the reform of global governance systems and pushing a strong climate agenda, Lula is not just governing Brazil; he is actively attempting to reshape the international order to be more equitable and representative of developing nations.

The coming years will test his political skill and the endurance of the Workers' Party (PT) as he seeks to solidify a legacy that transcends his initial, highly successful terms and navigates the controversies of the past, including the *Petrobras* scandal and the fallout from the *Operation Car Wash* investigation. His focus on "cooperative multipolarity" and a "new globalization" suggests a leader determined to leave a profound mark not just on Brazil, but on the world.