BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazilian President Michel Temer has celebrated his first year in office with a discreet ceremony, expressing optimism about the economy despite a surge in unemployment.

Temer on Friday praised lawmakers for passing austerity bills that he says will put Brazil in the path of growth. He promised to deliver labor, pension and tax reforms before his term ends in December 2018.

Brazil's economy has struggled in recent years and is expected to grow by less than 1 percent this year. Unemployment figures released last week showed joblessness up to 14 million from 13 million.

The former vice president took over one year ago after congress impeached and later convicted President Dilma Rousseff for breaking fiscal laws.