Bachelet sweeps in but as in the first round abstention prevailed

Monday, December 16th 2013 - 11:02 UTC

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Michelle Bachelet is set to resume her former position as president of Chile in March 2014 after a resounding second round victory against her opponent and former childhood playmate, Evelyn Matthei. In an acceptance speech late Sunday night the president-elect touched on two key platforms of her campaign: free higher education and a new constitution. Read full article

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ChrisR
This is a truism:

Anybody can make an impression when they have all the money needed which is why in the good times many people get the wrong impression of other people's abilities.

It is far harder to make things happen when the copper revenue is dropping and reducing her options. Only when things are in depression do you discover the real ability of all theses “good” guys.

Still, she is in now, we will all have to wait and see!
Dec 16th, 2013 - 01:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Heisenbergcontext
I am impressed by the graciousness in defeat exhibited by both Evelyn Matthei and Sebastion Pinera. When Matthei says “My deepest desire, to be honest is that [ Bachelet ] does very well...” I actually believe her.

Chile is providing an example to anyone who cares to pay attention ( Mercosur's two enfant terrible's some to mind ) of how dignified leadership can work.
Dec 17th, 2013 - 04:59 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Stevie
Correction: dignified non-leadership...
Dec 17th, 2013 - 11:33 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Heisenbergcontext
@ Stevie

I'm always interested in positive examples of political leaders putting their nations interests ahead of any personal or ideological agenda they may have, and this seems to be a clear example of such.

I'm glad Michelle Bachelet won, for my own sentimental reasons I freely admit, but the right of centre politicians also represent many people - they still have a leadership role to play in their country. They have chosen to do so by respecting their hard-won democracy and I believe that is a good thing and an example to politicians everywhere - not just in South America.
Dec 17th, 2013 - 12:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Stevie
I think so too, Heisen.
And let's hope the right wing enjoys their leadership... ;)
Dec 17th, 2013 - 01:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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