Dilma thanks Lula for victory

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Brasilia, Nov. 1: Ms Dilma Rousseff, elected Brazil’s first female President, tearfully thanked her predecessor and mentor Mr Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for her win on Sunday, and vowed to uphold his legacy when she takes power in two months’ time.

Ms Rousseff, who served as Mr Lula’s cabinet chief before he handpicked her to succeed him in the runoff, choked up as she expressed her gratitude in a victory speech in Brasilia.

“The happiness I feel today for my win is mixed with sadness for his departure,” she said.

“The task of succeeding him is difficult and challenging. But I know I will honour this legacy and extend his work,” she said.

“I will knock on his door often, and I know it will always be open.” Ms Rousseff pledged to eradicate poverty at home, and lambasted the world’s leading economies for devaluing their monies in a “currency war” that was threatening the exports of Brazil and other countries.

A 62-year-old economist by training and a career bureaucrat, Ms Rousseff was virtually unknown to Brazilians before Mr Lula thrust her into the spotlight alongside him this year.

Thanks to Mr Lula, she quickly became the favourite in the race that pitted her against Mr Jose Serra, former state governor of Sao Paulo.

Pic Caption:
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left, kisses newly elected leader Dilma Rousseff at the Alvorada palace in Brasilia on Monday.