Brazil's Lula reelected by landslide

Brazil's reelected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C) of the Workers' Party (PT), first lady Marisa Leticia (C, R) and supporters make the "L" for Lula as they celebrate their victory in the presidential elections on Sunday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil. PHOTO: AFP

"The poor will take precedence," the self-styled defender of the downtrodden told several thousand jubilant supporters after garnering almost 61 percent of the vote and a lead of more than 21 points over former Sao Paulo governor Geraldo Alckmin.

"Education will improve, employment will improve," the charismatic, bearded president, 61, told the crowd from a tribune set up in the city's Paulista avenue.

"The enemy is now the social injustice we must defeat."

Speaking at a news conference immediately after the outcome of the run-off election was announced, he insisted that while remaining committed to a more just distribution of wealth, he would maintain tough fiscal policies. He expressed confidence economic growth would reach five percent, as compared to a disappointing 2.3 percent last year.