Michelle Bachelet was the first elected female president of Chile, and the first woman elected president of any South American country. What was just as remarkable, though less noted, was the success and stability of the political coalition that she represented, the Concertaciόn. Though Bachelet was the fourth consecutive Concertaciόn president, upon taking office her administration quickly faced a series of crises, including massive student protests, labor unrest, internal governmental divisions, and allegations of ineptitude and wrongdoing as a result of a major reorganization of Santiago's ... More

Michelle Bachelet was the first elected female president of Chile, and the first woman elected president of any South American country. What was just as remarkable, though less noted, was the success and stability of the political coalition that she represented, the Concertaciόn. Though Bachelet was the fourth consecutive Concertaciόn president, upon taking office her administration quickly faced a series of crises, including massive student protests, labor unrest, internal governmental divisions, and allegations of ineptitude and wrongdoing as a result of a major reorganization of Santiago's transportation system. Candidate Bachelet promised not only different policies but also a different policymaking style—a style characterized by a kinder and gentler approach to politics in a country with a long tradition of machismo and strong male rulers. Bachelet promised to listen to the people and to return power to those who had been denied it in the past. Her attitude enhanced the influence of existing social movements and inspired the formation of new ones. This book examines the policies, political issues, and conflicts of Bachelet's administration, and provides analyses of the challenges, successes, and failures experienced by the Concertaciόn since 1989.