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Fernando Haddad
Portrait of Fernando Haddad
Haddad in 2023
Minister of Finance
Assumed office
1 January 2023
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Preceded by Paulo Guedes
Mayor of São Paulo
In office
1 January 2013 – 1 January 2017
Vice Mayor Nádia Campeão
Preceded by Gilberto Kassab
Succeeded by João Doria
Minister of Education
In office
29 July 2005 – 24 January 2012
President
Preceded by Tarso Genro
Succeeded by Aloizio Mercadante
Personal details
Born (1963-01-25) 25 January 1963 (age 62)
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Political party PT (1983–present)
Spouse
Ana Estela Haddad
(m. 1988)
Children 2
Alma mater University of São Paulo (LL.B., M.Ec, Ph.D.)

Fernando Haddad is a Brazilian politician, lawyer, and professor. He was born on January 25, 1963. He is currently Brazil's Minister of Finance. Before this, he was the mayor of São Paulo from 2013 to 2017. He also served as Brazil's Minister of Education from 2005 to 2012.

Haddad teaches political science at the University of São Paulo (USP). He studied law, economics, and philosophy there. He also worked as an investment analyst. From 2001 to 2003, he helped manage finances for São Paulo city.

He worked in the Ministry of Planning from 2003 to 2004. He helped create a law for public-private partnerships in Brazil. These are projects where the government and private companies work together.

In 2005, he became the Minister of Education. He held this job until 2012. During his time, many new education programs started. These included programs for scholarships and a system for university selection. The Open University of Brazil was also created. He helped expand the "University for All Programme" (ProUni). This program gives scholarships to students from low-income families.

In 2012, he won the election to become the mayor of São Paulo. He won against another candidate, José Serra.

He was a candidate for President of Brazil in 2018. He ran for the Workers' Party. He lost the election to Jair Bolsonaro.

Early Life and Education

Fernando Haddad was born in São Paulo, Brazil. He is the second of three children. His father, Khalil Haddad, came to Brazil from Lebanon. His mother, Norma Teresa Goussain, was born in São Paulo. Her family was also from Lebanon.

Haddad went to high school at Colégio Bandeirantes. In 1981, he started studying law at the University of São Paulo. He also studied economics and philosophy. He earned a master's degree in economics. He also has a doctorate in philosophy. His master's paper was about the Soviet Union. His doctorate paper was about historical materialism.

Haddad started his career as an investment analyst. But he has spent most of his career working for the public. He was a consultant for an economics research institute. He also worked as a special advisor for the Ministry of Planning.

Today, Haddad is a professor. He teaches political science at the University of São Paulo.

Political Career Highlights

Minister of Education Role

Haddad became the Minister of Education in July 2005. He took over from Tarso Genro. In 2007, Haddad created the Basic Education Development Index (IDEB). This index measures the quality of public schools.

As minister, he helped start the "University for Everyone Program" (ProUni). This program gives scholarships to students. It helps low-income students go to private universities. His ministry also changed the National High School Exam (ENEM). This exam is now used more for university admissions.

Mayor of São Paulo

In 2012, Haddad ran for Mayor of São Paulo. He won the election in the second round. He got 55.57% of the votes.

As mayor, Haddad expanded the city's bike lanes. He planned to increase them from 64.7 km to 400 km by 2016. This project caused different reactions among people in São Paulo.

In June 2013, his government faced protests. This happened when bus fares were raised. The police response to these protests caused more widespread reactions. These protests became very large.

In 2016, Haddad lost his re-election bid. He received only 17% of the vote. He left office on January 1, 2017.

In 2022, Haddad ran for governor of São Paulo. He lost this election in the second round.

Minister of Finance Role

After his election loss in São Paulo, Haddad became the Minister of Finance. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appointed him. This happened after Lula won the 2022 presidential election.

New Fiscal Framework

The government needed a new plan for spending. Haddad presented a proposal to the congress. It was accepted in August. This new law sets limits on how much government spending can grow. It also sets rules for investments. The goal is to eliminate the government's primary deficit. This means the government would spend less than it collects.

"Desenrola Brasil" Program

In July 2023, Haddad launched the "Desenrola Brasil" program. This program helps people renegotiate their debts. It was divided into two phases. The second phase helped renegotiate non-bank debts.

The program aims to reduce debt for people. It especially helps low-income and middle-class families. It also makes it easier for people to get credit.

Tax Reform Changes

A major tax reform was approved in Brazil. This was the first time in over 30 years. One main point is that basic food products are now tax-free. A new Value Added Tax (VAT) was also created. There is also a "selective tax" on items like tobacco or alcohol. These items are considered harmful.

Medicines and vegetables are also exempt from VAT. Other products like speedboats will now have taxes. The reform also makes inheritance taxes progressive. This means richer people pay more.

The National Congress approved the reform in December 2023. Many important leaders attended the session. This reform is seen as a big step for Brazil's economy. After the approval, a credit rating agency raised Brazil's credit rating. They noted better economic growth chances.

Minimum Wage and Income Tax

In 2023, the minimum wage was increased. It went from 1,302 reals to 1,320 reals. In December, it increased again to 1,412 reals. This change became active on January 1, 2024. President Lula said this is part of a new plan. The plan is to adjust the minimum wage above inflation every year. This helps people keep up with rising prices.

Also, the amount of money people can earn before paying income tax increased. In early 2023, it went from 1,900 reals to 2,640 reals. In February 2024, it increased again. Now, people earning up to 2,824 reals are exempt from income tax.

Inflation Target Goals

Haddad supported setting the inflation target at 3% each year. This was different from some others in the government. He also wanted the target to be continuous. This means it would be measured over 12 months, not just a calendar year.

After discussions, President Lula signed a decree. It set a continuous inflation target starting in 2025. The central bank will be responsible for meeting this target. The National Monetary Council confirmed the 3% goal. It has a small tolerance range.

Haddad said this new system gives the government more flexibility. It helps Brazil have a new economic outlook. The central bank will also publish quarterly reports. These reports will show how the new inflation target is working.

2018 Presidential Election Campaign

Haddad was chosen as the running mate for Lula da Silva in 2018. But Lula was not allowed to run for president. This was due to a law called "Clean Slate." So, Haddad became the main presidential candidate. Manuela d'Ávila became his running mate.

Haddad came in second place in the first round of the election. He received 29% of the votes. Jair Bolsonaro was in first place. Haddad and Bolsonaro faced each other in the final round. Haddad lost the election. He received 44.87% of the votes.

Other Activities

  • He is an ex-officio member of the board of governors for the World Bank. This means he is a member because of his job.

Personal Life

Haddad belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch.

He is an amateur guitar player. He is sometimes seen playing his SG Gibson guitar in public.

Electoral History

Election Party Office Coalition Running mate First round Second round Result
Votes % Votes %
2012 São Paulo mayoral election Worker's Party (PT) Mayor To Change and Renovate São Paulo

(PT, PCdoB, PP, PSB)

Nádia Campeão

(PCdoB)

1,776,317 28.98

(#2)

3,387,720 55.57

(#1)

Elected YesY
2016 São Paulo mayoral election Mayor More São Paulo

(PT, PCdoB, PR, PDT, PROS)

Gabriel Chalita

(PDT)

967,190 16.70

(#2)

- - Lost
2018 Brazilian presidential election President The People Happy Again

(PT, PROS, PCdoB)

Manuela d'Ávila

(PCdoB)

31,342,051 29.28

(#2)

47,040,906 44.87

(#2)

Lost
2022 São Paulo gubernatorial election Governor Together for São Paulo

(PT, PCdoB, PV, PSOL, Rede, PSB, Agir)

Lúcia França

(PSB)

8,337,139 35.70

(#2)

10,908,972 44.73

(#2)

Lost

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Fernando Haddad para niños

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