Paul Goodwin writes, “In 1977, Brazilian president Ernesto Geisel stated that progress was based on ‘an integrated process of political, social, and economic development.’ Democracy, [Geisel] argued, was the first necessity in the political arena. But democracy could only be achieved ‘if we also further social development…, if we raise the standard of living of Brazilians.’ The standard of living, he continued, ‘can only be raised through economic development.’” This idea toward reconstruction was an ideal model that focused on including not only political reform, but with emphasis to include the social aspects of Brazil, namely its driving work force… its citizens.
During Lula’s third run for the presidency against Fernando Henrique Cardoso, which proved to be a success, “he [Lula] and the left [wing] demanded a national debate on the crisis, accusing Cardoso of being more concerned with international creditors than with Brazilians."
Also, “in the four years since [becoming president], Lula has pumped billions of dollars into social programmes and can reasonably claim to be reversing Brazil's historic inequalities. By increasing the minimum wage well above inflation and broadening state help to the most impoverished with a family grant programme, the Bolsa Familia, he has helped some 44 million people and cemented his support among the poor.”
Undoubtedly, President Lula has made significant progress in improving the conditions of Brazil while truly emphasizing his conviction to aid the poor and needy. In a separate 2004 article, he speaks of his nation’s passion to assist people in the favelas and areas just like this by saying, “Brazil has not only the right but the obligation to define a project that will be favorable to all countries, principally the poor countries.” As is again noted by an article speaking of before Lula was elected president, “[Lula and the Workers' Party have] sought to promote the interests of the most impoverished sectors of...