The Heat: Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, better known as Lula, was found guilty in 2017 of corruption and money-laundering.

But this past March, the Brazilian Supreme Court annulled the corruption convictions and another court ruled the 75-year-old is now free to run in next year’s presidential election. As president, Lula is credited with bringing 20-million Brazilians out of poverty and achieving the lowest unemployment rate in his country’s history. In a wide-ranging interview, Lula talked about his likely candidacy, addressed climate change, relations with China and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by his rival, current President Jair Bolsonaro.

Joining the discussion:

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva served as the Brazilian President from 2003-2010.