Fernando Haddad is a prominent Brazilian politician, academic, and lawyer, best known for his tenure as the Mayor of São Paulo from 2013 to 2016 and his role as a leading figure in the Workers’ Party (PT). Born in 1963 in São Paulo, Haddad comes from a Lebanese-Brazilian family with a strong intellectual background. He holds a law degree, a master’s degree in economics, and a doctorate in philosophy, all from the University of São Paulo (USP), demonstrating his dedication to academic pursuits.
Haddad’s political career began in the early 2000s when he joined the administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He served as the Special Advisor to the Minister of Planning, Budget and Management and later as the Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Education. His expertise in education led to his appointment as Minister of Education in 2005, a position he held until 2012. During his time as Minister, Haddad oversaw significant reforms and expansions in the Brazilian education system, including the implementation of the University for All Program (ProUni), which provided scholarships to low-income students in private universities, and the expansion of federal universities and technical schools across the country. His work aimed to democratize access to higher education and improve the quality of basic education.
In 2012, Haddad ran for Mayor of São Paulo, securing a victory in a closely contested election against José Serra. As mayor, he implemented a number of progressive policies aimed at improving urban mobility, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing public services. One of his most notable initiatives was the expansion of the city’s bicycle lane network, encouraging cycling as a viable mode of transportation. He also implemented traffic calming measures and invested in public transportation infrastructure. Haddad’s administration also focused on improving urban planning, addressing social inequality, and promoting cultural initiatives.
Despite these efforts, Haddad faced challenges during his mayoral term, including economic difficulties and political opposition. He ultimately lost his reelection bid in 2016. However, he remained a prominent figure in the Workers’ Party and continued to be involved in political discussions and debates.
In 2018, Haddad played a crucial role in the presidential elections. Initially, he was the running mate of former President Lula da Silva. However, after Lula was barred from running due to legal issues, Haddad became the PT’s presidential candidate. He ran a strong campaign on a platform of social justice and economic equality, but ultimately lost to Jair Bolsonaro in the second round. Despite the defeat, Haddad’s performance solidified his position as a leading voice on the left in Brazilian politics.
Following the 2018 elections, Haddad has remained active in academia and politics, continuing to advocate for progressive policies and social justice. He holds a professorship at the University of São Paulo and contributes regularly to public discourse through articles, lectures, and social media. He is widely regarded as a thoughtful and articulate politician with a deep understanding of Brazil’s social and economic challenges. His career reflects a commitment to public service and a belief in the transformative power of education and social policies.