History of Brazil since 1985 Dilma Rousseff, also from the Worker's Party, was the first woman elected President of Brazil, with her term beginning in the January 1, 2011. In her victory speech, Rousseff, who had also been a key member of Lula's administration, made clear that her mission during her term would be to continue her predecessor's policies to mitigate poverty and ensure continued economic growth. Challenges faced by Rousseff in her first term included managing infrastructure projects to increase economic activity, with special attention to the twelve cities that would host the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro,
First inauguration of Dilma Rousseff Lula da Silva and his wife. Traditionally, the outgoing vice President and his wife also greet the new President, but José Alencar is undergoing colorectal cancer treatment in São Paulo's Hospital Sírio-Libanês and shall not attend the inauguration. In the parlor (speaker's platform), located in the outer area of the palace, overlooking the Three Powers Plaza, Lula will pass the presidential sash to Rousseff. Wearing the sash, Rousseff will be greeted by heads of state and other authorities in the palace's east wing. Around 17:00 hours UTC−2 (5 p.m.), Rousseff will head to the parlor and make her first speech