By Natalia A. Ramos Miranda and Fabian Cambero
SANTIAGO (Reuters) – As Chile’s next ministers posed for photos after being officially introduced on Friday, the change in the Andean country’s face could be seen in the captured image.
The formation was dominated by women –14 of the 24 ministers– with seven of those chosen under the age of 40 and the youngest being 32. The average age is 49. The president-elect himself, Gabriel Boric, a former leader of student protests, will only be 36 years old when he takes office in March.
“Something has changed,” Juan Gabriel Valdes, a former foreign minister, wrote on Twitter, posting two photos: one of the new ministry and one of the all-male government from 1990, when Chile had just returned to democracy.
Boric chose an experienced banker as his finance minister, encouraging the markets.
But the emphasis on political diversity and fresh ideas shows that Chile’s first millennial leader is also keen to keep his campaign promises to shake up the country.
And the cabinet’s composition reflects a long-term shift in the role of women that dates back to former president Michelle Bachelet, who chose a gender-balanced team in 2006.
“This ministry is very important to us,” said Karol Cariola, 34, a lawmaker for the Communist Party of Chile, an ally of Boric’s broad leftist coalition.
“It may reflect not only the diversity of Chile, but also the need to progress towards a decentralized country, a feminist country, where we have no limitations on political participation.”
Some conservative analysts and voters said on Twitter that Boric’s young team could struggle, given their lack of experience and the condition of a divided country, where the election saw a rival far-right candidate win 44% in the second round.
Among the new ministers is Izkia Siches, 35, a prominent doctor who has won praise for her role in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She will take on the role of interior minister, where she will be confronted with voters’ concerns about immigration and crime.
Maya Fernández Allende, the 50-year-old granddaughter of former socialist president Salvador Allende, who was overthrown in a bloody military coup in the 1970s by General Augusto Pinochet, will assume the Defense portfolio.
Marcela Hernando, 61, a centrist parliamentarian, will be responsible for the mining sector at the world’s biggest copper producer, while Maisa Rojas, 49, a respected climate scientist, will take over the environment ministry. Boric signaled a focus on climate and environmental protection.
In his ministry presentation, Boric said the team would carry out reform plans in the areas of pensions, education, health and the environment.
However, the government faces significant challenges. Boric, Chile’s youngest president, will oversee a referendum this year on a new constitution. And he will have to deal with a divided Congress where the Conservatives remain strong.
“One of the great challenges will be to bring together all the political forces in Parliament,” said Cariola.
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