Rousseff

Rousseff is a surname of European origin that has become widely recognized in Brazil primarily through Dilma Vana Rousseff, a Brazilian economist and politician who served as the 36th president of Brazil from 2011 to 2016. She was the first woman to hold the Brazilian presidency and was a prominent member of the Workers’ Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores).

Early life and career

Dilma Rousseff was born on December 14, 1947, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, and grew up in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. She studied economics at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, graduating in 1969. During Brazil’s military dictatorship, she engaged in left-wing activism and was arrested, tortured, and subsequently released. After a period in exile and return to Brazil, she joined the Workers’ Party and built a career in public service and party leadership.

National political career

Rousseff held several high-level positions in the federal government under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, including Minister of Mines and Energy (2003–2005) and Chief of Staff (2005–2010). She won the 2010 presidential election as Lula’s successor and took office on January 1, 2011. Her presidency focused on social programs and economic stabilization, but faced persistent political polarization and economic challenges.

Impeachment and after

In 2015–2016, Rousseff faced an impeachment process related to accusations of fiscal irregularities. The Chamber of Deputies approved the impeachment, and the Senate removed her from office on August 31, 2016, with Vice President Michel Temer completing the term. She remained a vocal figure in Brazilian politics and public discourse after leaving the presidency.

Legacy and usage

Beyond Dilma Rousseff, the surname is relatively uncommon and is most closely associated with her role in Brazilian political history. The name is encountered in Brazilian and international contexts primarily through discussions of her presidency and Brazil’s contemporary politics.