President Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil has been sworn in for a second term, at the start of a year which he says will demand "blood, sweat and tears" from all Brazilians.

Facing an economic crisis in mid-1998, the government agreed to introduce strict financial measures in return for a multi-billion dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund.

But Mr Cardoso, whose government is composed of a fragile political alliance, still has to persuade Congress to approve the economic plan; it includes social security, tax and political reforms.

The BBC Sao Paulo correspondent says the ceremony reflected the austere mood, with a smaller number of guests than usual being served whisky that was seized by customs officials.