Embattled president Dilma Rousseff admitted in a televised address late Friday that Brazil can do better and pledged to do more to fight corruption, a day after more than a million people marched to demand better living conditions.

"We can do many things a lot better in Brazil," said Rousseff, the day after the protesters demanded cheaper transport and more investment in education and health as well as a tougher fight against endemic corruption.

"People have a right to criticize," added Rousseff saying she would staunchly defend that right.

In an appeal for unity Rousseff, who promised to meet with the leaders of peaceful demonstrations as well as workers and community leaders, went on: "I am the president of all Brazil. Of those who support the demonstration and those who do not."

Reaching out to those who feel the government should direct more money to public services rather than on hosting major sporting events, she insisted that "football and sport are symbols of peace and peaceful coexistence."

AFP