Luiza Erundina Brazilian political activist Date of Birth: 30.11.1934 Country: Brazil

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Activism
3. Mayorship of São Paulo (1989-1992)
4. Federal Deputy and Senatorial Ambitions
5. Party Affiliations and Social Movements

Early Life and Education

Luiza Erundina was born in Uiraúna, Brazil, in a poor family. She was the seventh of ten children born to a craftsman and a cook. Despite financial struggles, she completed a bachelor's degree in Social Services from the Federal University of Paraíba and a master's degree in Sociology from the University of São Paulo.

Political Activism

Erundina began her political career as a social worker in favelas and as an opponent of the military dictatorship. She was also involved with the peasant unions of the Brazilian Communist Party. In 1980, she joined Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in founding the Workers' Party (PT).

Mayorship of São Paulo (1989-1992)

In 1988, Erundina unexpectedly won the nomination for mayor of São Paulo. Running on a progressive platform, she was elected with 33% of the vote, becoming the first mayor from the left to lead Brazil's largest city. During her term, she implemented reforms in education, healthcare, and social housing.

Federal Deputy and Senatorial Ambitions

After leaving office, Erundina served as the Chief Minister of the Secretariat of Federal Administration under President Itamar Franco. She was elected as a federal deputy in 1999 and has held the position ever since, representing São Paulo. In 1994,彼女は元連邦議員で1989年から1992年までサンパウロ市長を務めた。

Party Affiliations and Social Movements

Erundina has been a member of several left-wing parties throughout her career. She left the PT in 1997 due to disagreements with its leadership. She joined the Socialist Party of Brazil (PSB) in 2016 and was later elected to the leadership of the Federal Chamber of Deputies. In 2020, she ran for mayor of São Paulo as the running mate of PSOL candidate Guilherme Boulos.