Tweet
Chile elects Michelle Bachelet to become first female President
The former Defense Secretary is set to lead the Nation until 2010
Michelle Bachelet and President Ricardo Lagos
When Chile’s President Ricardo Lagos was narrowly elected in 2000, it seemed likely that his government would be the last for a coalition that had already held office for 10 years. Instead, the centre-left coalition – known as the Concertación – has not only obtained a fourth term, but has given Chile its first woman president.
Michelle Bachelet’s victory on Sunday – when she took 53.5 per cent of the vote, defeating her conservative rival, Sebastián Piñera, by a seven-point margin – owes much to President Lagos. His popularity, boosted by the high economic growth of the last two years, is running at more than 70 per cent, an unusually high level for an outgoing president. But it also reflects the Concertación’s wide appeal. Ranging from the centre Christian Democrat party to the Socialist party, it not only led Chile’s transition to democracy after the 17-year dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, but has presided over a period in which, although Chile’s unequal income distribution has not improved, prosperity has increased rapidly and poverty has halved.
By contrast, the opposition, torn by divisions between Mr Piñera’s more moderate National Renewal party and the larger Independent Democratic Union, is perceived as representing the interests of business and the rich. Indeed, a key factor in the defeat of Mr Piñera, a successful businessman, was his personal fortune, estimated at some $1.3bn (€1bn, £735m).
Although under Ms Bachelet Concertación will complete 20 years in power, her election had the air of the dawn of a new era. That is in part because she is a woman. At her victory rally, jubilant women sported a replica of the president’s red, white and blue sash, claiming the election as a triumph for women. Bachelet has said that there will be as many female as male members on her future cabinet.
Ms Bachelet, a moderate socialist who will take office on March 11, has promised to maintain the strong free-market policies, international integration and fiscal discipline that have underpinned Chile’s economic success. But she has also promised to give Chile and its economy “a more human face”.
Leaders from around the world on Monday hailed Ms Bachelet's election, and expressed a desire to work with her once she takes office on March 11. Germany's first female leader, Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday congratulated Ms Bachelet in a telegram.
"I congratulate you most warmly on your election as president," said Ms Merkel, who took office as Germany's first female leader on November 22. "I wish you strength, confidence and success," Ms Merkel added. While Segolene Royal, touted as the next French presidential Socialist candidate, attended to Bachelet's final campaign act.
The former Defense Secretary is set to lead the Nation until 2010
Michelle Bachelet and President Ricardo Lagos
When Chile’s President Ricardo Lagos was narrowly elected in 2000, it seemed likely that his government would be the last for a coalition that had already held office for 10 years. Instead, the centre-left coalition – known as the Concertación – has not only obtained a fourth term, but has given Chile its first woman president.
Michelle Bachelet’s victory on Sunday – when she took 53.5 per cent of the vote, defeating her conservative rival, Sebastián Piñera, by a seven-point margin – owes much to President Lagos. His popularity, boosted by the high economic growth of the last two years, is running at more than 70 per cent, an unusually high level for an outgoing president. But it also reflects the Concertación’s wide appeal. Ranging from the centre Christian Democrat party to the Socialist party, it not only led Chile’s transition to democracy after the 17-year dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, but has presided over a period in which, although Chile’s unequal income distribution has not improved, prosperity has increased rapidly and poverty has halved.
By contrast, the opposition, torn by divisions between Mr Piñera’s more moderate National Renewal party and the larger Independent Democratic Union, is perceived as representing the interests of business and the rich. Indeed, a key factor in the defeat of Mr Piñera, a successful businessman, was his personal fortune, estimated at some $1.3bn (€1bn, £735m).
Although under Ms Bachelet Concertación will complete 20 years in power, her election had the air of the dawn of a new era. That is in part because she is a woman. At her victory rally, jubilant women sported a replica of the president’s red, white and blue sash, claiming the election as a triumph for women. Bachelet has said that there will be as many female as male members on her future cabinet.
Ms Bachelet, a moderate socialist who will take office on March 11, has promised to maintain the strong free-market policies, international integration and fiscal discipline that have underpinned Chile’s economic success. But she has also promised to give Chile and its economy “a more human face”.
Leaders from around the world on Monday hailed Ms Bachelet's election, and expressed a desire to work with her once she takes office on March 11. Germany's first female leader, Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday congratulated Ms Bachelet in a telegram.
"I congratulate you most warmly on your election as president," said Ms Merkel, who took office as Germany's first female leader on November 22. "I wish you strength, confidence and success," Ms Merkel added. While Segolene Royal, touted as the next French presidential Socialist candidate, attended to Bachelet's final campaign act.
:
Comment