Under Lula and Dilma, Brazil became richer - by any measure. The evolution of GDP (the sum of all wealth produced by the country in a given year) increased. Total real GDP grew by 45%: from R$ 3.3 trillion in 2002 to R$ 4.8 trillion in 2013, when measured at 2013 prices, according to Central Bank data. In the same period real GDP per capita grew 29%, from R$ 18,000 in 2002 to R $ 24,100 in 2013, also the 2013 prices.
Average inflation fell by 37% between the FHC and Lula governments, and remains within the target with Dilma. Brazil continues to record a primary surplus. The accounts are balanced: the debt with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is zeroed out and net debt fell by almost half between 2002 and 2013.
Lula, in 2008, and Dilma, in 2011/2012, faced two distinct moments of serious international crisis that still plagues much of the world. Still, the fiscal soundness of Brazil created a firm foundation for public and private investment, economic growth and job creation.
Public investment doubled over the same period, from 1.3% to 2.7% of GDP, mainly driven by AGP and the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program. Foreign direct investment rose from $ 18.8 billion to $ 64 billion. Moreover, with Lula and Dilma, per capita income has grown fourfold, from US $ 2,919 in 2002 to US $ 11,229 in 2013.
