Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has defended himself before over 15 000 activists at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre. He interrupted his speech to respond to hecklers by saying "Those of you that aren't from here, don't be afraid. These people that don't want to listen are sons and daughters of the PT (Partido dos Trabalhadores, "Worker's Party")  that rebelled. That's typical of youth and one day they are going to mature and we'll be here with open arms to welcome them back". Supporters also drowned out the hecklers by chanting "Lula" the president's name.
The President also used his speech to help launch an ambitious campaign by 1,000 non-governmental organizations to halve world poverty within ten years. "For the first time, the Forum takes upon itself the task of making a priority of an issue such as poverty," Lula said.
 
 
 
 

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2005 World Social Forum-Brazil coverage