A Leftist Takes Over in Brazil and Pledges a 'New Path'

Latin America's largest nation embarked on an ambitious political and social experiment today, as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, leader of the left-wing Workers Party and a former lathe operator and labor union leader, was inaugurated here as president of Brazil, promising "a new style of government" and a crusade against hunger, injustice and corruption.

Progressives gain power in Latin America as democracy spreads and economies tumble.