Lula faces a dilemma: reconciling his legacy with the reality of authoritarian regimes.

At 44 years old, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faced a decisive moment in his political life and in Brazil's history. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, an event symbolizing the end of real socialism, occurred in a crucial context for the country, marked by the first direct presidential election after the military dictatorship. That year, Lula, who was then leading the Workers' Party (PT), advanced to the second round, although he ultimately lost to Fernando Collor de Mello. That setback not only represented an electoral defeat but also prompted the PT to question the legitimacy of the democratic process, a sign that the path to power would not be simple or direct. Today, at 78 years old, Lula finds himself at a similar crossroads, facing the erosion of "21st-century socialism," a notion that resonates with the ideology promoted by his ideological and political ally, Hugo Chávez. This idea, which proposed a new socialism based on participatory democracy, has become blurred in its practical application, especially in the context of Nicolás Maduro's current dictatorship in Venezuela. Lula, who had come to be seen as a leftist leader capable of challenging American imperialism, now finds himself trapped in his own contradictions, grappling with a legacy that has become problematic. The contrast between the fervor of the early decades of this new millennium and contemporary reality is overwhelming. The promises of popular participation and social transformation now face a landscape where dictatorships perpetuate themselves in power through repression and the elimination of opponents. This shift has led more voices, even within Brazil, to question Lula's legitimacy as a leader of a movement that has been associated with authoritarian regimes in the region. Instead of building bridges between social classes, the current administration seems more interested in maintaining questionable alliances. Lula's return to the presidency has not been free of criticism. Many observers have pointed out that his stance toward Venezuela and Maduro's regime reflects a willingness to relativize democratic principles in favor of ideological loyalty. The Brazilian president's recent assertion that democracy is a "relative" concept has unleashed a wave of indignation, calling into question his commitment to the democratic values he has defended in the past. This approach has led Lula to be seen as a hostage of Chavismo, unable to distance himself from a regime that has left a trail of destruction and suffering in its own country. Lula has attempted to balance his image as a pro-democratic leader while dealing with the pressure to maintain relations with governments like Maduro's. However, the cost of this strategy has become evident. The rampant repression in Venezuela, marked by thousands of deaths and the persecution of opponents, contrasts sharply with the ideals of social justice and equity that Lula has promised for Brazil. The implicit complicity in defending the Venezuelan regime has deteriorated his position both nationally and internationally. Amid these tensions, Lula faces a dilemma: how to reconcile his legacy of fighting for workers' rights with the realities of a government that has failed to guarantee those same rights in a neighboring country? The answer to this question is further complicated by the current geopolitical context, where the competition between the United States and China for global hegemony is redefining international relations and politics in Latin America. The echoes of the past resonate in the present. Lula, who was once a symbol of hope for many Brazilians, now finds himself grappling with the perception that his political trajectory is more aligned with preserving power than with the struggle for democracy. The irony of having emerged as a leader from labor struggles to become a defender of authoritarian regimes cannot be overlooked, raising the troubling question of what future awaits the PT and his legacy. Expectations for change and renewal in Brazilian politics are now cast under a growing shadow. The lack of new ideas and reliance on anti-imperialist rhetoric have left Lula and his party in a precarious position. In a context where struggles for social justice seem to have faded, the challenge lies in finding a path that not only reactivates the democratic spirit but also provides answers to the urgent needs of the Brazilian population. Lula's dilemma reflects a broader crisis in the Latin American left, where promises of change are often undermined by the reality of dictatorships and corruption. In a continent that has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous charismatic figures, Lula's ability to navigate this complex landscape will be crucial in defining his place in history and the future of the PT. Without a significant change in his approach, the possibility of Brazil returning to a path of true equality and social justice will fade, leaving Lula trapped in the cycle of ambiguities that has characterized his last years in power.