Dilma Rousseff Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1343 GMT (2143 HKT) November 24, 2021

As young Marxist during Brazil's military dictatorship, Dilma Rousseff was charged by a military court with subversion and jailed in November 1970. Rousseff has said she was tortured with electrical shocks by her captors during her imprisonment.
Photos: The rise and fall of Dilma Rousseff
Freedom fighter – As young Marxist during Brazil's military dictatorship, Dilma Rousseff was charged by a military court with subversion and jailed in November 1970. Rousseff has said she was tortured with electrical shocks by her captors during her imprisonment.
Hide Caption
1 of 6
As former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's chief of staff, Rousseff took on several high-profile roles. She announced the discovery of Brazil's pre-salt oil reserves, which would have made the country self-sustainable and could have produced up to 100 billion barrels of oil. But the reserve, discovered in 2009, still remains untapped.
Photos: The rise and fall of Dilma Rousseff
Chief of staff – As former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's chief of staff, Rousseff took on several high-profile roles. She announced the discovery of Brazil's pre-salt oil reserves, which would have made the country self-sustainable and could have produced up to 100 billion barrels of oil. But the reserve, discovered in 2009, still remains untapped.
Hide Caption
2 of 6
Rousseff campaigning for the presidency in 2010.
Photos: The rise and fall of Dilma Rousseff
Presidential hopeful – Rousseff campaigning for the presidency in 2010.
Hide Caption
3 of 6
Dilma Rousseff is sworn in to her first term on January 1, 2011, becoming Brazil's first female president. She's seen here with running mate Michel Temer, who has now succeeded her as president.
Photos: The rise and fall of Dilma Rousseff
President – Dilma Rousseff is sworn in to her first term on January 1, 2011, becoming Brazil's first female president. She's seen here with running mate Michel Temer, who has now succeeded her as president.
Hide Caption
4 of 6
Rousseff gestures during her testimony during her impeachment trial at the National Congress in Brasilia on August 29, 2016.
Photos: The rise and fall of Dilma Rousseff
Fighting for political life – Rousseff gestures during her testimony during her impeachment trial at the National Congress in Brasilia on August 29, 2016.
Hide Caption
5 of 6
After the Senate voted for her impeachment, Rousseff was officially removed from office Wednesday afternoon.
Photos: The rise and fall of Dilma Rousseff