Brasilia, November 21 (RHC-PL) –- Former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has urged young members of the Workers Party (PT) to assume a central role within the party and present proposals to improve the country.

In the opening session of the Third National Congress of the PT Youth in Brasilia, Lula da Silva highlighted the need for the young members of this organization to back the government of President Dilma Rousseff who, he said, was harassed by the opposition.

“Before thinking about the 2016 and 2018 (periods of elections), we must take the executive away from the agony caused by the opposition; we have to help Rousseff to overcome the political crisis created by the forces that were defeated in the polls”, he said.

We are not going to have 2018 if we don't care about 2016, he said while urging to have strong, corageous candidates capable of discussing controversial issues.

In this regard, he defended an active participation of the youngsters in politics, presenting suggestions to improve education and generate more jobs; "I want you to tell me what I don't know," because the party needs to be reorganized and renewed.

We have to act with our heads up, advancing and continuating this process of social changes, as this organization assumed power in 2003 and is the one which has done the most for the country ever, said Lula.

He denied that the PT is done and finished, as claimed by the media, and said that more than 25,000 young members participated in debates held in municipalities countrywide.

The third PT Congress, running through tomorrow, Sunday, is also being attended by guests from left wing youth organizations from Latin America.