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.
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.
