Dilma Rousseff ‘s story is intertwined with the recent trajectory of Brazilian politics. The first woman to hold the presidency of Brazil, Dilma was a central figure in the political and economic events that have marked the country in recent decades.
His life, from his youth engaged in resistance movements against the dictatorship to his role in the highest office in the Republic, is permeated by controversies, struggles, achievements and setbacks.
In this article, we will learn in detail about Dilma Rousseff’s biography , including her political activities, her role during the military dictatorship, her history as president, the impeachment and what her life is like today.
In short, let us understand the complexity of his figure, which was central to the national and international political scene.
Who is Dilma Rousseff?
Dilma Vana Rousseff was born on December 14, 1947, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. She is the daughter of Pedro Rousseff, a Bulgarian immigrant, and Dilma Jane da Silva, a Brazilian teacher.
Dilma grew up in a middle-class family, and from an early age, she was exposed to political discussions and the value of education, influences that would shape her future trajectory as an economist and politician.
Her father, Pedro Rousseff, was a lawyer and businessman who fled communist repression in his home country, settling in Brazil and providing his family with a comfortable life.
The relationship with her father played an important role in shaping her political views, as Pedro was an intellectual with critical positions on capitalism and authoritarianism, which was reflected in Dilma’s upbringing.
Dilma studied in traditional schools in Belo Horizonte and showed an interest in social and economic issues at a young age. Her privileged education and contact with her father’s progressive thinking contributed to the development of a critical spirit.
During his youth, Brazil was going through a phase of intense political transformations, especially with the rise of the military regime in 1964, which further awakened his engagement with political and social issues.
The professional career
Before formally entering political life , Dilma Rousseff had a professional career related to economics and public management, areas that would later help her occupy important positions in the federal government and the presidency of Brazil itself.
Academic background
Dilma Rousseff began her academic life at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) , where she enrolled in the Economic Sciences course.
However, her academic career was interrupted when she became actively involved in resistance movements against the military dictatorship, which led her into hiding and to prison.
Later, after his release, he completed an Economics course at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).
In addition to her degree in Economics, Dilma took several courses related to public administration and development policies, improving her skills as a manager, which made her stand out in the roles she would later occupy.
Career in the public sector
Dilma began her career in the public sector in Rio Grande do Sul , where she held several positions related to the economic and energy sectors.