MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile’s Bachelet among the world’s most powerful women

In Latinamerica Michelle Bachelet was only beaten by Argentina’s Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner

Forbes magazine last week listed Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as the 22nd most powerful woman in the world – up three notches from last year.

Forbes based their criteria on the size and importance of the countries or organizations run by women. They then judged contestants on their influence, the amount of media coverage they generate, and the amount of money they are responsible for.

Bachelet was beat to the post of Latin America’s most powerful woman by fellow president Argentine Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who ranked 11th.

The Latin American leading ladies were the only politicians featured in the business-dominated top 25.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is responsible for the world’s fourth largest economy was crowned winner for the fourth consecutive year.

Bachelet’s ranking places her well above U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (36th) and new entry Michelle Obama (40th). The Queen of England placed 42nd, just below talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

The magazine cited some of Bachelet’s accomplishments during her fourth year in office, including a recent energy development deal struck with US President Barack Obama and her temporary role as president of the 12 nation Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). She is also credited with Chile’s current status as the country with most bilateral or regional trade agreements.

By Hannah McNeish (editor@santiagotimes.com)