Carolina Tohá resigns as Chile’s Interior Minister to run for president, emphasizing her generation’s readiness for leadership. Despite her experience, early polls indicate low support compared to opposition candidates. The political landscape is complicated by uncertainty regarding former President Bachelet’s potential candidacy as elections approach on November 16.
Carolina Tohá, Chile’s Interior Minister, has officially resigned and announced her candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming election. Her decision reflects a broader trend of experienced politicians from the centre-left entering the race, as she emphasized the need for her generation to pursue leadership roles. Tohá made this announcement following her resignation to President Gabriel Boric, indicating her willingness to engage in what she termed as a new political battle for the nation’s top position.
In her statements to the press, Tohá expressed gratitude towards President Boric for the trust placed in her during her tenure. Nonetheless, her party has been slow in naming candidates, allowing opposition members to dominate early polling. Current laws restrict President Boric from seeking a second consecutive term, contributing to this political vacuum and speculation regarding former President Michelle Bachelet’s potential candidacy for a third term.
President Boric extended his best wishes to Tohá, stressing the importance of maintaining continuity within the government’s political alliance. Following Tohá’s resignation, Secretary General of the Presidency Álvaro Elizalde was appointed as her successor. Tohá did acknowledge the difficulty of her decision while thanking Boric for his support and underscoring the significance of this transition.
Despite her extensive political experience, Tohá faces considerable challenges, particularly given a recent survey indicating her low electoral support at only 1.9%. This stands in contrast to prominent opposition figures, as conservative Evelyn Matthei leads with 24.3%, while other right-wing candidates also present formidable competition. Amidst this backdrop, Bachelet’s lingering popularity has kept speculation alive regarding her potential run despite her public declarations of non-candidacy.
Tohá’s political history includes various roles such as the mayor of Santiago, and as a former government spokeswoman. In her role since 2022, she has been responsible for addressing rising crime rates and leading crisis management efforts, exemplified by her response to a nationwide blackout. Nonetheless, her crime-fighting measures have faced criticism, reflected in polling data indicating that approximately 59% of the populace disapproves of her performance as Minister. Furthermore, the scrutiny intensified following a scandal involving her former deputy.
With the first round of presidential elections scheduled for November 16 and a potential run-off on December 14, Tohá’s entry into the race marks a significant step in her political journey, yet she must overcome a considerable public perception challenge.
In conclusion, Carolina Tohá’s resignation as Interior Minister to run for President is a notable shift in Chile’s political landscape. While she possesses significant political experience, her low early polling numbers signal an uphill battle against established opposition candidates. Furthermore, the delay in formally announcing her candidacy may hinder her campaign efforts. As the election date approaches, Tohá will need to navigate both public scrutiny and the competitive political environment effectively.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
