First steps of the Rousseff administration

Resumo

Although its first few weeks were marked by disagreements between members of the cabinet, the new administration has begun to lay out its domestic and foreign priorities. At her first cabinet meeting on January 14, President Rousseff addressed the 2011 budget and called for cabinet unity. She intends to take a firm stand on public spending; in particular, the government will monitor administrative costs rigorously. In other areas, she must also quickly establish her authority, enunciate clear policies, and set the tone of her administration.