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Brasilia (AFP) Jan 15, 2011 The disaster unleashed by torrential rains and mudslides near Rio de Janeiro has become a test of fire for Brazil's new President Dilma Rousseff, in office less than 15 days. Rousseff, 63, not only must rise to the charismatic example set by her predecessor Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, she must also act decisively to confront one of the worst catastrophes in Brazil's history. For the moment, political commentators say she appears to have passed the test. The day the disaster struck, the president sprang into motion, immediately changing her agenda and announcing a 450-million dollar aid package for the victims. The next day, she donned rubber boots and toured the flooded streets of Nova Friburgo, 140 kilometers (84 kilometers) north of Rio, a mountain resort town devastated by floods and mudslides. "The president was active," political analyst Rodolfo Texeira told AFP, contrasting her performance with that of US president George W. Bush's notoriously passive response to Hurricane Katrina, which flooded New Orleans in 2005. "She sent field hospitals, promised aid, and brought to bear the presence of the state," he said. Commentators and editorial writers, who are often critical of Rousseff, saluted her response, noting that she came into office with a reputation as an effective manager but devoid of the charm that made Lula so popular. "She walked through the city, she spoke to people, she informed herself, she met with the mayors," said Lucia Hippolito, a political analyst with CBN radio. "In terms of her stance in the face of a tragedy of this magnitude, she scored 10 for 10." "This was a true test of fire less than 15 days after her inauguration and Dilma succeeded in imposing her own rhythm and style of government," said Eliana Cantanhede, an editorial writer with the daily Folha de Sao Paulo. After these displays of empathy, Rousseff, the first woman to the lead this country of 190 million people, must show her ability to bring about lasting changes. In particular, the lack of investment in disaster prevention and political neglect are seen as having been major contributors to the scope of the calamity. "Building construction in risky areas of Brazil are not just an exception but the rule," Rousseff said after visiting one the areas hit by floods and landslides. She promised to cut through bureaucratic red tape to ensure rapid delivery of financial aid to the homeless and to work with local authorities to "rescue and rebuild." "Dilma has come out well in the test of words and gestures. Now she must take concrete actions: immediate, effective measures and serious planning to avoid new tragedies," said Cantanhede.
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