New Chilean president promises improvements in health care and education
T he South American nation of Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper. In the 1990’s, Chile had Latin America’s fastest growing economy. At the present time, Chile is one of South America’s most economically stable and prosperous nations. Despite Chile’s economic stability, the multi-ethnic nation faces its share of domestic challenges. Last December, Michelle Bachelet won 62% of the vote in Chile’s presidential election. On March 12, 2014, Bachelet assumed office. This is the second time Bachelet has served as the president of Chile. Under Chile’s constitution elected presidents cannot seek a second consecutive term in office. In January 2006, Bachelet was elected Chile’s first woman president. Bachelet, a former pediatrician and United Nations leader has vowed to improve the country’s education and health care systems and reduce income inequality. From 1973 to 1990, Chile was governed by Army General Augusto Pinoche...