Michelle Bachelet

Article about Michelle Bachelet

Verónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria (born 29 September 1951) is a Chilean politician who served as the President of Chile from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018. She was the first woman to hold the office in Chile. Bachelet is a member of the Socialist Party of Chile and has also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Early life and education

Bachelet was born in Santiago, Chile, to Air Force Brigadier General Alberto Bachelet and archaeologist Ángela Jeria. Her father was detained and tortured by the regime of Augusto Pinochet for opposing the military coup, and he died in custody in 1974. Bachelet and her mother were also detained and later went into exile in Australia and then East Germany.

Bachelet studied medicine at the University of Chile, where she graduated as a physician. During her time in East Germany, she learned German and continued her medical studies. She later specialized in pediatrics and public health.

Political career

Minister of Health and Defense

Bachelet with Donald Rumsfeld

Bachelet entered politics in the 1990s, joining the Ministry of Health under President Ricardo Lagos. She was appointed Minister of Health in 2000, where she implemented reforms to reduce waiting times in public hospitals. In 2002, she became the first woman to hold the position of Minister of National Defense in Chile and Latin America.

First presidency (2006–2010)

Bachelet during a televised debate

Bachelet was elected President of Chile in 2006, becoming the first woman to do so. Her presidency focused on social reforms, including pension reform, the introduction of a universal child allowance, and improvements in education and healthcare. Her government also faced challenges, such as student protests demanding educational reform.

Second presidency (2014–2018)

Bachelet with other heads of state

Bachelet was re-elected in 2013 and began her second term in 2014. Her second presidency was marked by efforts to implement tax reform, educational reform, and a new labor law. She also focused on constitutional reform, aiming to replace the constitution enacted during the Pinochet regime.

Post-presidency

After leaving office in 2018, Bachelet was appointed as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, a position she held until 2022. In this role, she addressed global human rights issues, including the situation in Myanmar, the Rohingya crisis, and the human rights conditions in Venezuela.

Legacy

Bachelet at the inauguration of the Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Bachelet's legacy is marked by her efforts to promote social equality and human rights. She is recognized for her work in advancing women's rights and her leadership in international human rights advocacy.

Related pages

• List of presidents of Chile
• Socialist Party of Chile
• Augusto Pinochet
• United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights