Brazil's outgoing President Luiz Inacio Lula da
Silva (R), raises the arm of Brazil's President Dilma
Rousseff. (AP)
Dilma Rousseff was sworn in as Brazil's first female president on Saturday, pledging to build on the policies of her hugely popular predecessor and mentor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Rousseff, Lula's 63-year-old former Cabinet chief, assumed the presidency in Brazil's Congress after a short motorcade ride under steady rain during which she waved to an estimated 70,000 well-wishers lining Brasilia's streets.
After swearing an oath and signing official documents before lawmakers in Brazil's Congress, she gave her first speech to the nation as president.
She swore she would protect the most vulnerable in Brazil's society and "govern for all."
She repeatedly paid homage to Lula, saying she had been honoured to serve under "the great man" and pledged to maintain her predecessor's achievements, notably in reducing poverty and promoting economic prosperity.
"The most determined struggle will be to eradicate extreme poverty," she said, declaring: "We can be a more developed and fairer country."
Rousseff outlined plans for tax reforms, environmental protection, improved health services, regional development - and unspecified measures to combat foreign "speculation" that could upset Brazil's economic growth.
After the speech, Rousseff was to see Lula at the presidential palace, where he was to give her the green-and-gold presidential sash and Latin American presidents were to welcome her.
Lula, who was required to step down after serving the maximum two consecutive terms permitted under Brazil's Constitution, threw his formidable popularity and charisma into getting Rousseff elected his successor.
He has not said what he plans to do in retirement, though he commented weeks ago that he was a "natural born politician" who would not rule out maybe trying to return to the presidency after Rousseff's four-year mandate was over.
Rousseff is taking over a country with an economy that grew an enviable 7.6 per cent in 2010, enjoys recently discovered oil finds that could make it a big-league exporter, has won a significant role on the world stage, and is preparing to host the 2014 football World Cup and 2016 Olympics.