Danilo Macedo     Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília - In a speech to the nation on Labor Day, Sunday, May 1, Dilma Rousseff pointed out that the country was celebrating a day for Brazilian workers as it should be celebrated: "…with growth, employment and more income, a  strong economy and a moment full of hope for the future.

The present belief in a better future by Brazilians, according to the President, rests on the knowledge that stability, growth and income distribution, along with control of inflation and poverty reduction, are now permanent government policies.

Dilma announced that in a short time the government will launch a new program, Brazil without Poverty (or Misery) (“Brasil sem Miséria”). She said the program will be an important step towards winning the battle against extreme poverty.  "This program [Brazil without Misery] will coordinate and integrate new and existing social programs, expand resources and opportunities and, especially, mobilize all sectors of society for the decisive struggle to end extreme poverty in our country," she said. According to the president, "a truly rich and happy country is possible only if there is no extreme poverty so that families can improve their lot and make progress toward a better future.”

Dilma went on to say that another reason “Brazilians feel better days are on the way," is the fact that "modern Brazil respects democracy, human rights and liberty - including freedom of association and labor union rights to negotiation." Brazil is not only consolidating a position as one of the world's leading economies, but also establishing itself as "the creator of a model of modern social policies,” Dilma declared.

In her Labor Day speech, the president wemt on to point out that continued strong economic growth poses challenges to the country. There was a rising need for skilled labor, a demand for specially trained workers, that would have to be met.There was also  a need for the immediate improvement of infrastructure.But the biggest challenge, said Dilma, “is to ensure that millions of Brazilians are not left behind as prosperity expands  and consolidates.”

Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English

Link - Combate à inflação e à miséria são políticas permanentes, afirma Dilma em pronunciamento do Dia do Trabalho