The Brazilian Congress has begun a special session to discuss economic austerity measures to be introduced in return for a multi-billion dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund.

The Brazilian President, Fernando Henrique Cardoso -- who was sworn in for a second term on Friday -- has said he will demand "blood, sweat and tears" from all Brazilians, but observers say his fragile political alliance will come under pressure during the congressional debate.

The austerity measures include a controversial plan to make pensioners pay social security tax.