Michelle Bachelet Engages Six Political Parties to Strengthen Opposition Against Kast’s Government

Original article: Bachelet mueve las fichas: convoca a seis partidos para articular a la oposición frente al Gobierno de Kast

Former President Michelle Bachelet is making significant political moves by inviting six parties to unite the opposition against the government of José Antonio Kast.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, and will bring together the leaders of six opposition parties at her foundation, Horizonte Ciudadano, located at Capitán Fuentes 99, Ñuñoa, in Santiago.

According to information reported by Bio Bio Chile, attendance from the Party for Democracy, Socialist Party, Broad Front, Liberal Party, Communist Party, and Christian Democracy has been confirmed.

Sources consulted by the media specified that the purpose of the gathering is to establish common guidelines in response to current events, amidst criticisms regarding the lack of coordination among opposition forces.

The significance of the meeting is heightened as it follows the former head of state’s recent suggestion to potentially run for La Moneda in the upcoming 2029 elections.

On October 7, during an interview with Canal TVU of the University of Concepción, lawyer and academic Paulina Astroza asked Bachelet: “Is there no second without a third?”, referencing a possible candidacy, to which the former president replied: “I think so… I think so.”

In the same discussion, she reaffirmed her commitment to promoting unity among progressives and expressed concern about potential rollbacks in rights, particularly those affecting women.

Previously, along with former president Gabriel Boric, she signed a letter stating their shared concern over Kast’s decision to affirm Chile’s commitment to the Shield of the Americas.

In the letter, they argued that international cooperation against transnational crime is essential, but emphasized that the defense and security of the country should never be subordinated to foreign powers, nor should Chile’s diplomatic autonomy be compromised, a hallmark since the return to democracy. They also urged the protection of the principles, sovereignty, and autonomy of Chile.

Bachelet’s Ability to Foster Unity Within Progressivism

From Bachelet’s inner circle, there have been attempts to downplay any electoral interpretations of the meeting. According to Publimetro, those close to Bachelet characterized the gathering with opposition parties as a camaraderie meeting aimed at expressing gratitude for the recent tribute bestowed upon her by the political groups in La Pintana.

Nevertheless, expectations are growing that this meeting will help address current issues and strengthen ties between the parties.

The president of the PC, Lautaro Carmona, appreciated the former president’s contributions to the exchange of ideas and the expansion of forces within the opposition.

“She greatly contributes to the development, dialogue, maturity, and depth that we should pursue as a political sector concerning those in power,” the leader declared to Bio Bío Chile.

The secretary general of the PPD, Sebastián Vergara, acknowledged her ability to generate unity within progressivism.

“It’s a leadership that articulates, and I think no one can dispute that. Her availability is very good news for progressivism and for Chile. However, there is still a long way to go until 2029,” he noted with regard to a potential presidential candidacy.

From the DC, Alejandra Krauss stated that Bachelet “has a long-standing public service valued by citizens”, but emphasized that the immediate needs of the citizens must take priority over defining a candidacy.

Thus, the upcoming gathering of the different parties aims at a pressing task: to build shared positions against the government of José Antonio Kast.