Background on Pinochet’s dictatorship
From 1973 to 1990, Chile was ruled by a military dictatorship led by General Augusto Pinochet. During this time, Pinochet’s regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including torture, disappearances, and political repression. Pinochet’s rule was characterized by economic policies that emphasized free-market principles, but which also led to significant income inequality and poverty.
Pinochet’s transition to democracy
After facing international pressure and widespread protests, Pinochet agreed to hold a referendum in 1988 to determine if he would remain in power. The referendum resulted in Pinochet’s defeat, and he stepped down as head of the military junta in 1990. The transition to democracy was marked by a process of political reform and the drafting of a new constitution, which was approved by referendum in 1989.
Presidential elections in Chile
Since the return to democracy in 1990, Chile has held presidential elections every four years. The president is elected by popular vote, and a candidate must win over 50% of the vote to avoid a second round of voting.
The winner of the 1989 election
The first presidential election after the end of Pinochet’s rule took place in December 1989. The winner of the election was Patricio Aylwin, a Christian Democrat who had been a prominent opponent of Pinochet’s regime. Aylwin’s presidency was marked by a commitment to human rights and economic reform, as well as a focus on promoting national reconciliation.
Patricio Aylwin’s presidency
During his presidency, Aylwin implemented a number of reforms, including the creation of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate human rights abuses committed during the dictatorship. He also oversaw the privatization of state-owned companies and the expansion of social welfare programs.
Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle’s presidency
Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, a member of the Christian Democratic Party, was elected president in 1993 and served until 2000. During his presidency, Frei continued many of the policies of his predecessor, including efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic growth. He also oversaw negotiations that led to the normalization of relations between Chile and Argentina.
Ricardo Lagos’ presidency
Ricardo Lagos, a member of the Socialist Party, was elected president in 2000 and served until 2006. Lagos implemented a number of reforms during his presidency, including the creation of a publicly funded health care system and the expansion of social welfare programs. He also oversaw the signing of a free trade agreement with the United States.
Michelle Bachelet’s presidency
Michelle Bachelet, a member of the Socialist Party, was elected president in 2006 and served until 2010. She was then reelected in 2013 and served until 2018. During her presidency, Bachelet focused on social welfare programs and education reform. She also oversaw the creation of a national system for the protection of human rights.
Sebastian Piñera’s first term
Sebastian Piñera, a member of the center-right National Renewal Party, was elected president in 2010 and served until 2014. During his presidency, Piñera emphasized economic policies aimed at promoting growth and reducing poverty.
Michelle Bachelet’s second term
Bachelet was reelected president in 2013 and served until 2018. During her second term, she focused on social welfare programs and education reform, as well as efforts to address climate change and reduce inequality.
Sebastian Piñera’s second term
Piñera was elected president again in 2018 and is currently serving his second term. His presidency has been marked by widespread protests over economic inequality and political corruption. Piñera has responded by proposing a number of reforms, including increases in social spending and changes to the constitution.
Current president of Chile: Gabriel Boric
Gabriel Boric, a member of the left-wing Broad Front coalition, was elected president of Chile in December 2021. Boric’s presidency is expected to focus on social welfare programs, environmental policy, and efforts to address economic inequality.
