Havana, Cuba. - The second round of Chilean presidential elections confirmed something expected in the political scenario of the South American country. The victory of candidate Sebastian Piñera certifies the return to power of the Right, which according to analysts, didn't happen since 1958. 
 
Coincidentally, the winner Piñera, from the National Renovation Party, defeated Eduardo Frei Jr., like it happened back in 1958, when Eduardo Frei Sr. was beaten by right-winger Jorge Alessandri.
 
In the 70´s, Augusto Pinochet´s coup came after Salvador Allende´s popular victory. Thousands of Chileans were murdered; hundreds disappeared and a terror regime of tragic recollection was imposed in the South American nation. 
 
In these elections, Sebastian Piñera fought to shake off dictator Pinochet´s shadow.  To that end, he is advocating the transformation of the Right in his country. 
 
The new Chilean president leads one of the two right wing trends. The other is represented by the Independent Democratic Union (IDU), which fully identifies with Augusto Pinochet´s legacy. This one, however, has more representatives in the Congress and the Senate. 
 
On the other hand, the party that took Piñera to office is part of a right wing coalition that advocates UDI´s postulates. Thus, the new Chilean President had troubles in his campaign to dodge his rivals´ attacks regarding a background related to Pinochet's dictatorship. 
 
The analysts think that his alliance with the very strong right-wing followers of Pinochet leaves little room for a liberal Right in Chilean political spectrum. 
 
The just-elected President has the avail of being one of the richest men in Chile. 
 
The day before yesterday, a commentator from the Chilean capital said that while the new leader speaks of the future, his rivals accuse him of trying to appoint supporters of the dictatorship for Government key posts.  They say he is either a wolf disguised as a lamb, or a lamb in a wolf pack.

Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )