President Dilma Rousseff Declares War on Poverty in Brazil

Dilma Rousseff (C) greets supporters during her victory meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, 31 October 2010. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Dilma Rousseff, the daughter of a Bulgarian immigrant, has made a commitment to eradicate poverty in Brazil in her first speech after becoming elected President of the largest Latin American nation.

She declared fighting poverty and promotion of Brazil's economic development her "fundamental commitment."

"In the short term, we will not have the pull of developed economies to boost our growth. For that reason, our own policies, our own market, our own savings and our own economic decisions become even more important," Rousseff said as cited by DPA.

She said she asked for support "with humility" everybody who can help obliterate the gap between rich and poor in Brazil.

Rousseff also underlined her intention to remain open to the world, and to continue to demand 'the end of the protectionism of rich countries, which prevents poor nations from completely fulfilling their vocations.'

'In the multilateral sphere, it is necessary to establish clearer and more careful rules for the recovery of financial markets, limiting leverage and excessive speculation, which increase the volatility of capital and currencies. We will act firmly in international forums with that goal,' she said.

Dilma Rousseff also pledged to remain firm on the course of her promoter, outgoing President Inacio Lula.

"The task of succeeding him is difficult and challenging. But I'll know how to honor his legacy. I'll know how to consolidate his work and build upon it. I'll knock on his door a lot, and I'm certain that I'll always find it open' an almost tearful Rousseff," said of her mentor in her first address as president-elect.

The 62-year-old new President from the Workers Party did not omit to emphasize the importance of the fact that she is the first ever woman to become President of Brazil.

'I would really like the fathers and mothers of girls to look today into their eyes and tell them, 'Yes, women can'!' she said.

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