Dilma: Fidel was a visionary and fought for a fraternal society.
Deposed President Dilma Rousseff lamented the death of "Commander" Fidel Castro on Saturday, at the age of 90. Dilma said it was a cause for "mourning and pain" and the loss of the leader of the Cuban revolution and one of the "most influential political figures of the 20th century." "Fidel was one of the most important contemporary politicians and a visionary who believed in building a fraternal and just society, without hunger or exploitation, in a united and strong Latin America," she stated. "A man who knew how to unite action and thought, mobilizing popular forces against the exploitation of his people. He was also an icon for millions of young people around the world." The Cuban government decreed nine days of national mourning and announced that Fidel's funeral will be on December 4th in Santiago de Cuba.
247 - Deposed President Dilma Rousseff lamented the death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who died early Saturday morning at the age of 90. For Dilma, the death of "Commander" Fidel Castro, leader of the Cuban revolution and one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century, is a cause for mourning and sorrow.
"Fidel was one of the most important contemporary politicians and a visionary who believed in building a fraternal and just society, without hunger or exploitation, in a united and strong Latin America," Dilma stated.
"A man who knew how to unite action and thought, mobilizing popular forces against the exploitation of his people. He was also an icon for millions of young people around the world," he added.
The Cuban government has decreed nine days of national mourning for the death of Fidel Castro. Havana also announced that Fidel's funeral will be on December 4th at the Santa Efigência cemetery in Santiago de Cuba. However, the former president's body is expected to be cremated today, according to Fidel's own wishes, his brother and political successor, Raúl Castro, reported.
Read the full statement from President Dilma Rousseff.
"Dreamers and progressive activists, all of us who fight for social justice and a less unequal world, woke up saddened this Saturday, November 26th. The death of Commander Fidel Castro, leader of the Cuban revolution and one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century, is a cause for mourning and sorrow."
Fidel was one of the most important contemporary politicians and a visionary who believed in building a fraternal and just society, free from hunger and exploitation, in a united and strong Latin America.
A man who knew how to unite action and thought, mobilizing popular forces against the exploitation of his people. He was also an icon for millions of young people around the world.
My deepest condolences to the Castro family, to Fidel's children and grandchildren, to his brother Raul, and to the Cuban people. My solidarity and affection during this time of grief and farewell.
Hasta siempre, Fidel!
Dilma Rousseff
"There are men who are happy one day and are good;
There are others who spent a year and are better;
Hay quienes luchan manyos años y son muy buenos;
But there are those who fight all their lives,
These are essential."
Bertold Brecht