MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Latinamerican growing populism is becoming “worrisome”

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leader of Chile's ruling coalition junior partner Soledad Alvear addressed in Berlin during a forum the current political situation in Latinamerica, which was described as “worrisome” particularly because of the “advance of some populist governments in the region”.

"advance of some populist governments in the region". "Currently we have something to worry about in Latinamerica, populism. And we must be very careful with those leaders who promise to change the world in five minutes because this generates much frustration, resentment among people which can rapidly convert into instability", said Ms Alvear who is in Germany for a three days visit to increase links and cooperation between the ruling Christina Democrats, under Ms Merkel and the Chilean Christian Democrats.

"We're concerned the overall situation of Latinamerica" and "we would like to see how we can work and collaborate to strengthen the region's governance and expectations", said Senator Alvear who also addressed triangular cooperation between Germany and Latinamerica, through Chile.

The Chilean leader of the Christian Democrats confirmed Ms Merkel is planning to visit Latinamerica in the second half of 2007 but also revealed that for the European Union, "Latinamerica is not a priority". However Merkel promised to look towards the region during the German presidency of the EU "in the first half of next year"

From Berlin Ms Alvear is planning to fly to Spain where a major conservative parties meeting will be held in Madrid. Besides Christian Democrats delegations from Germany and Chile, those participating include Mexico's ruling party PAN which will be ruling for another six years under president elect Calderon and Spain's main opposition party Partido Popular.

The main point in the agenda is links and cooperation with Latinamerican parties aligned with the Christian Democrats.