BBC Online :
Michelle Bachelet, 62, has been sworn in as the president of Chile, her second time in office.
The socialist leader was inaugurated in a ceremony in the city of Valparaiso after her election win in December over conservative rival Evelyn Matthei.
Outgoing conservative President Sebastian Pinera wished his successor good luck. Ms Bachelet is the first Chilean president in over half a century to return for a second term.
In a ceremony attended by leaders from the region, including Argentina’s Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Ecuadorean leader Rafael Correa, Peruvian president Ollanta Humala and Bolivia’s Evo Morales, Ms Bachelet swore the oath of office.
President of the Senate Isabel Allende placed the presidential sash around Ms Bachelet’s neck – the first time it was passed from one woman to another in Chile’s history.
Ms Bachelet won 62% of the vote in the second round of the presidential election in December, well ahead of the 38% cast for Evelyn Matthei.
Michelle Bachelet, 62, has been sworn in as the president of Chile, her second time in office.
The socialist leader was inaugurated in a ceremony in the city of Valparaiso after her election win in December over conservative rival Evelyn Matthei.
Outgoing conservative President Sebastian Pinera wished his successor good luck. Ms Bachelet is the first Chilean president in over half a century to return for a second term.
In a ceremony attended by leaders from the region, including Argentina’s Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Ecuadorean leader Rafael Correa, Peruvian president Ollanta Humala and Bolivia’s Evo Morales, Ms Bachelet swore the oath of office.
President of the Senate Isabel Allende placed the presidential sash around Ms Bachelet’s neck – the first time it was passed from one woman to another in Chile’s history.
Ms Bachelet won 62% of the vote in the second round of the presidential election in December, well ahead of the 38% cast for Evelyn Matthei.
