RIO DE JANEIRO — He is the Pele of politics, knighted the "most popular politician on Earth" by another contender for the title — Barack Obama.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva draws praise from Havana to Wall Street for an economic boom that has brought millions out of poverty. He has attended socialist rallies with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez less than two weeks after extending a fishing invitation to George W. Bush.
Now, after landing his continent's first Olympic Games, the former labor leader with a grade-school education is seeing his star burn hotter than ever, leaving some to wonder about Brazil's life after "Lula" — as he is known — when his term ends next year.
"Under Lula, Brazil has become the hottest brand on the world market," said Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue. "This is sort of the crowning glory for his presidency and his legacy."
When Rio won the 2016 Olympics Friday, it bested the Obamas lobbying for Chicago and former Olympic committee chair Juan Antonio Samaranch pleading to see a Madrid games in his twilight years. Silva jumped into a frenzied huddle, hugged Brazilian soccer great Pele and broke into tears.
"Our time has arrived. It's arrived!" he said during Rio's final presentation in Copenhagen.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva draws praise from Havana to Wall Street for an economic boom that has brought millions out of poverty. He has attended socialist rallies with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez less than two weeks after extending a fishing invitation to George W. Bush.
Now, after landing his continent's first Olympic Games, the former labor leader with a grade-school education is seeing his star burn hotter than ever, leaving some to wonder about Brazil's life after "Lula" — as he is known — when his term ends next year.
"Under Lula, Brazil has become the hottest brand on the world market," said Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue. "This is sort of the crowning glory for his presidency and his legacy."
When Rio won the 2016 Olympics Friday, it bested the Obamas lobbying for Chicago and former Olympic committee chair Juan Antonio Samaranch pleading to see a Madrid games in his twilight years. Silva jumped into a frenzied huddle, hugged Brazilian soccer great Pele and broke into tears.
"Our time has arrived. It's arrived!" he said during Rio's final presentation in Copenhagen.
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