Dilma Rousseff has just been sworn in as the first female president of Brazil. She takes office at a time of unprecedented growth, almost full employment in the major cities, and surging optimism and pride with the prospect of the Olympics and World Cup on the horizon. Women everywhere have a role model. Her goals for this presidency are to eradicate misery, preserve the environment while continuing growth, and live in peace with their neighbors. I am watching her acceptance speech on TV live while typing this diary.
Of course, there are many challenges ahead. The recent police actions in Rio with military alongside the police to combat the drug mafias entrenched in the favelas illustrate what Dilma inherits today.
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Moradores participam de manifestação em apoio à operação militar no Complexo do Alemão, no Rio
Let us extend our good wishes and congratulations to President Dilma. May she be successful and be a leader in the world in this new year.
O Globo photos
Watch live the ceremonies of the inauguration.
Happy New Year