Brazilian President Rousseff vows to fight impeachment "in defense of democracy"

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Friday pledged that she would fight impeachment proceedings initiated against her, using all the tools provided by her position to defend democracy.

While opening the 15th National Health Conference in Brasilia, Rousseff received a strong show of support, with many of the participants chanting "There will be no coup" and "Out with Cunha."

On Wednesday evening, Eduardo Cunha, president of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the National Congress of Brazil, authorized the start of impeachment proceedings after months of speculation. With Cunha himself facing a series of corruption allegations, Rousseff's supporters have interpreted his move as being politically motivated.

In her speech, Rousseff thanked her supporters, stating that "you can not imagine how what you are doing is good for our soul." She also referred to her time fighting against the military dictatorship, during which she was imprisoned and tortured, saying that it made her fully aware of the importance of democracy.

She admitted that the first year of her second mandate, which begun in January 2015, had been problematic but stated the government was also facing "bombs" from opponents in Congress, who are seeking to "sink the country."

Rousseff said that all of the allegations against her were unfounded.

"I will defend my mandate with all the instruments provided by a democratic state. I will show that this fight is not being waged in favor of a person or party. This is the fight for the democracy of our country," added Rousseff. Endit