'Governments should try to co-exist with press criticism,' Rousseff says

Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff declared last night that governments should “try to co-exist” with criticism given by the press in wanting to show a “strong commitment” to the democratic system.

“A government should be able to live alongside the comments and criticisms made by newspapers, to be able to show a commitment to democracy. Obtaining a democracy requires a harmonious coexistence for all, with a multitude of opinions, beliefs and aspirations,” said Rousseff.

The President made the statements at an event which celebrated the 90th birthday of national newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, which contains an editorial section that critiques the government.

Rousseff also paid homage to journalist Vladimir Herzog, who was a torture victim during the Brazilian military regime and a symbol for the fight against censorship.