Chile's Michelle Bachelet aims to regain presidency

(Vatican Radio) An opinion poll shows former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet as the favorite to again win the top job when the country goes to the polls in November. James Blears has this story.

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Michelle Bachelet was Chile's first woman President. Her term lasted from 2006 to 2010. She left with a record 84 percent approval rating. Since then, she's been appointed the Head of the United Nations' newly created UN Women. She left that job in March, to focus on another run at the Presidency of Chile.


A poll done by CEP organization shows that 44 percent of Chileans say they'd vote for her. Nearest rivals are currently some way back. In the Presidential Election she would have to gain 50 percent or more, to win outright in the first round, or there would be a second round runoff.


Gaining a majority in Congress for an ambitious agenda of social policies is a major aim.
A pediatrician by profession, Michelle Bachelet ,like so many Chileans, was grievously affected by the regime of General Pinochet. Her own Father, who was an Air Force Brigadier General , was tortured to death by secret police. She and her Mother were also tortured and then exiled.
Prior to her Presidency she was Minister of Defence and Minister of Health.

For Vatican Radio...James Blears reporting.