Bachelet legacy will depend on next Chilean government

Significance

Bachelet is beset by low approval ratings, in sharp contrast with her popularity at the end of her first term (2006-10). In response, she sought to claim a place in history by depicting her government as the start of a change towards a fairer society from which, whatever the results of the next presidential and congressional elections in November, there can be no turning back.

Impacts

• There is broad consensus that inequality needs to be tackled but far less agreement on the effectiveness of the government’s approach.
• At this stage of the government, promises such as a new pension reform and same-sex marriage are largely testimonial.
• Differences within the government coalition have so far prevented passage of a bill to legalise abortion in some limited cases.