Chile’s two decades of political experience until the election of a centre-right president in 2010 hold lessons for Britain’s divided and wounded centre-left, says Justin Vogler.
Piñera faces earthquake reconstruction and a credibility gap. But the two challenges may come together in an interesting way, albeit under pressure of events
The epic wave of destruction on 27 February 2010 has tested the character of the Chilean nation and the reputation of two of its presidents. A month on, Justin Vogler recalls the moment and assesses the tragedy's political fallout.
Earthquake in Chile causes mass destruction and displacement. Islamist opposition orders the World Food Programme out of Somalia. Colombia’s election race begins as President Uribe denied third term. Northern Liberia under curfew following the outbreak of religious violence. Malaysian peace monito
Sebastian Piñera has ended two decades of centre-left rule in Chile. The new president now faces the tough challenge of creating a liberal and democratic right free from the negative associations of the Augusto Pinochet era, says Alan Angell.
The result of Chile’s presidential election reflects less the achievement of the rightwing candidate than the failure of the centre-left coalition, says Justin Vogler.
Chilean elections see potential rightward swing. Iranian men don headscarves in protest. Mugabe reelected leader of Zanu-PF. Thailand intercepts North Korean arms shipment. 31 prisoners escape in Philippines jailbreak.
The outcome of Chile’s presidential election is more open than at any time since its return to democracy in 1990.
The outcome of Chile’s presidential election is more open than at any time since its return to democracy in 1990, writes Justin Vogler.
