Brussels, 27/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 27 October, the Presidents of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, and the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, expressed their congratulations to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, narrowly re-elected to lead her country for four years.
“On behalf of the European Union, we offer you our warmest congratulations on your re-election”, say the two outgoing presidents. Rousseff's re-election provides “a unique opportunity” to consolidate democracy and social inclusion in Brazil through, for example, “progress in equal rights and opportunities”, they add (our translation).
The two say that they are certain their successors will work to strengthen the strategic partnership between the EU and Brazil in an effort to provide fresh economic opportunities and to meet the major challenges facing the planet.
In the second round of voting, Rousseff, the Workers' Party candidate, was re-elected by a short majority, taking 51.64% of the votes, against her Centre-Right opponent Aécio Neves. (MB)