Carolina Tohá Resigns as Chile’s Interior Minister to Pursue Presidency
Carolina Tohá, the Interior Minister of Chile, resigned to run for president amid challenges from established candidates. Speculation surrounds her late entry, with polling reflecting her low support. Tohá’s tenure has faced criticism, particularly regarding crime management as Chile approaches its presidential elections.
Carolina Tohá, Chile’s Interior Minister, has resigned from her position to pursue a presidential candidacy in the upcoming election. She informed President Gabriel Boric of her decision, citing a desire for her generation to take on the nation’s leadership. Tohá emphasized the importance of her political journey, stating, “The time has come for me to undertake another political battle, which is to compete for the presidency.”
The centre-left parties in Chile have been slow to announce candidates, allowing opposition figures to dominate initial polling rankings. President Boric, whose popularity has declined, is ineligible for consecutive terms. Speculation persists regarding former President Michelle Bachelet potentially entering the race again, despite her prior statements of not seeking a third term.
During a cabinet change ceremony, President Boric expressed his support for Tohá’s decision, encouraging competitive primary elections among leftist candidates. Tohá acknowledged the difficulty of her decision and thanked President Boric for the trust placed in her during her tenure.
Recent surveys indicate Tohá faces a challenging campaign. According to a Pulso Ciudadano poll, only 1.9% of respondents support her in the presidential race, significantly trailing behind conservative frontrunner Evelyn Matthei and other right-wing candidates. Tohá’s support level falls short of Bachelet, who, while not running, maintains significant popularity among voters.
Having served as a minister and in various political roles, Tohá has served since 2022, focusing on public safety and crisis responses. However, her handling of violent crime has attracted criticism, as 59% of surveyed citizens disapprove of her performance. She faced scrutiny following a scandal involving her undersecretary, who resigned amid serious allegations.
Chile’s first presidential vote is scheduled for November 16, with a potential run-off set for December 14.
Carolina Tohá’s resignation as Chile’s Interior Minister marks her entry into the presidential race, emphasizing the need for younger leaders. Facing challenges from established opposition candidates, her recent polling figures reveal a precarious position. Despite extensive political experience, Tohá’s performance in her ministerial role has been criticized, leading her to navigate a complex political landscape as election dates approach.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
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