Chile: Strains of Concertación’s campaign has harmed Frei
The strain of twenty years in power is the main obstacle for Concertación candidate Eduardo Frei. The center-left coalition, which has ruled Chile since 1990, is after its 5th consecutive mandate in the presidential election this year.
The strategy adopted by Frei, so as to alleviate the pressure of running the government, was to assume a progressive discourse, seen as audacious by many.
Unlike the 1984 election when he became president, this election he had to moderate his message and make use of numerous resources. However, since Frei is a candidate who doesn’t inspire “passion”, Concertación’s strategy faces obstacles.
A new constitution was the flagship platform proposed by the candidate, which is considered bold for a Christian-democratic politician.
Eduardo Frei’s proposition was elaborated with the intent to relate Sebastián Piñera to Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship. In his view, the Magna Carta is the same imposed by the dictator in 1980.
Like Piñera, the government candidate is also investing in the legal recognition of homosexual unions and the free distribution of morning-after pills in the public health system. Furthermore, Frei proposed 17 initiatives concerning human rights.
Frei supports the continuity of Concertación in power for believing it is necessary to expand the country’s democracy and development, concerns characteristic of center-left governments.
Another topic of Eduardo Frei’s discourse is the promise to expand Bachelet’s social programs, which will be suspended, according to him, should Piñera be elected president.
In face of all this we should expect a more aggressive campaign by Frei in the 2nd round against his opponent. Because of the advantage he gained in the 1st round, the Concertación candidate is expected to enter the dispute somewhat weaker.
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