Brasília – North American weekly magazine Time has elected president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as the most influential leader of the world. Lula is the first in category “leaders”. The Brazilian came ahead of US president Barack Obama, who is in the fourth position. Another Brazilian among the most influential is the former governor of the state of Paraná and mayor of Curitiba, Jaime Lerner – who is among the thinkers.
In second among the leaders came J.T Wang, the president of personal computer producer Acer, followed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, Admiral Mike Mullen. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, of Latin origin, is also among those mentioned in the lists, among the thinkers. She was the first Latin woman in the US Supreme Court.
Lula’s profile was written by movie director Michael Moore – a critic of capitalism and its consequences. In the text, the director said that the Brazilian teaches a lesson to the North Americans and to the world on showing the importance of all having access to healthcare, for example.
Moore also pointed out Lula’s government’s Fome Zero (Zero Hunger) program, which includes the Bolsa Família (Family Purse). Based on Lula’s life story, the movie-maker explains the hard trajectory he had, having started working early, abandoning his studies and losing his first wife at the age of 25.
The list of most influential people includes 100 names. In the category of heroes, former US president Bill Clinton comes in the first places due to his support activities for reconstruction of Haiti – after the 12th January earthquake. In the profile, signed by singer Bono Vox, he is called “master of the masters” and populist.
The list of artists is headed by singer Lady Gaga. Gaga’s profile was written by North American pop singer Cyndi Lauper. Lauper praised Gaga, and called her “inspiring”. The list also includes comedian Conan O’Brien and movie director Kathryn Bigelow – who won the Best Movie Oscar for her The Hurt Locker.
The thinkers list, in turn, was headed by Iraqi mathematician and architect Zaha Hadid. Her profile was written by stylist Donna Karan. To the specialist, the Iraqi is an icon in new architecture, bringing together elements of strength, beauty and restructuring. The Brazilian Jaime Lerner is considered influential for having established an urban vision. An architect and urbanist, he is a consultant at the United Nations.
*Translated by Mark Ament
