Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has hailed his eight-year record as leader of South America's biggest country, days before he steps down.

巴西总统路易斯·伊纳西奥·卢拉·达席尔瓦离任之前，对自己能够担任南美洲最大国家的领袖八年之久表示高兴。

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Lula said Dilma would be a president worthy of the 'new' Brazil
In a traditional Christmas address, President Lula said he had shown it was possible to govern in the interests of all Brazilians, not just the wealthy.

He urged Brazilians to back his successor, Dilma Rousseff, who takes over the presidency² on 1 January.

President Lula, 65, is leaving office with approval ratings of over 80%.

"Today, all Brazilian men and women believe more in their country and themselves. This is a collective victory for all of us," he said in an emotional televised speech.

He listed his achievements in reducing poverty and promoting sustained economic growth, as well as slowing deforestation（采伐森林） .

He also stressed major projects, including the construction of new hydroelectric power stations（水电站） and the development of massive offshore³ oil fields, saying they would "change the course" of Brazilian history.

And he gave his full backing to his successor, his former chief-of-staff, Dilma Rousseff, saying he hoped she would make Brazil "one of the most egalitarian（平等主义） countries in the world".

Future plans

Lula, a former metalworker and trade unionist, did not reveal his plans after leaving the presidency.

"Don't ask about my future, because you have already given me a great present. Look instead to the future of Brazil, and believe in it," he said.

"I am leaving government to live life on the streets. Man of the people that I always was, I will be more of the people than ever before."

Lula had to stand down under Brazil's constitution after serving the maximum of two consecutive⁴ terms, but he has not ruled out standing⁵ for president again in the future.