Rousseff underscores unity and political reform in first speech

A re-elected President Dilma Rousseff spoke of unity and reform in her first victory address following the polls. Speaking to supporters in Brasília, Rousseff denied that the country is divided and called for peace. “I urge all Brazilian men and women to stay together for our nation, our country, our people. I don't think these elections have divided the country. I realize they have brought up ideas and feelings, even mixed feelings at times, but this was all inspired by a common sentiment – the aspiration for a better future for Brazil,” she said.

The president went on to say she understood the call for change echoed by the polls. “There is a clear path in front of us. Some words and themes were there all through the campaign. The most spoken, the most echoed word was 'change'. The one issue most often brought forth was 'reform'. I know I'm being reappointed to be the president who is going to make the big changes that society calls for,” she said.

The first of these reforms is a political one. Rousseff vowed that she will seek dialogue with the Congress and civil movements to pursue this reform, and again stressed the need for a referendum to “empower and give legal basis” for it.

“The first and foremost of all reforms must be a political one. It's a task for Congress to deal with, which should be led by the population through a referendum, a consultation with the people. Only a referendum can give us the strength and legal basis to take this issue to the next level. I want to discuss this with the newly elected Congress. I also want to discuss it with social movements and the forces of civil society.”

She also reaffirmed her commitment to take action against corruption. “I will maintain a strict commitment to fighting corruption, strengthening control mechanisms and proposing legal changes to put an end to the impunity which protects corruption,” she said.

Talking about the economy, the president said she will take “urgent” action to address specific issues in order to resume the pace of economic growth while securing jobs and income for the working class.

Fighting inflation will also be a priority, she promised. “I will encourage dialogue and partnership with all productive sectors of the country, in the shortest time possible,” she said.

Finally, Rousseff said that she is now “much stronger, more tranquil, and more mature” for the task she was entrusted with.

Translated by Mayra Borges