The Femicide of the President

The election of President Michelle Bachelet in 2006 ushered in a new era in the conduct of politics. In a highly centralized, strongly presidential country used to authoritarian presidents, Bachelet has altered the way politics is conducted, giving rise to major conflicts and to a perceived lack of political leadership from the Executive Branch. 

The issue is compounded by Bachelet’s agenda placing a premium on a stronger social safety net. Major related reforms are being reviewed by several commissions that have been asked to produce policy reports that can become bills for legislation. In Congress, the opposition harps incessantly on a perceived power vacuum and concentrates on debating issues of leadership. They argue that the country lacks a strong leader, that Bachelet is weak, and that political elites are shifting their attention on the presidential election of December 2009.

There is a clear cultural change with Bachelet at the helm. The business community is unhappy with a female President who, they charge, supports worker rights and does not uphold the law during labour strikes. The media debates the lack of leadership and politicians use similar talking points. Due to the debate, public opinion has also come to believe there is lack of leadership just because a woman is in charge. 

President Bachelet has acknowledged that perception, saying she will not change her style. She adds: if she was a man and spoke firmly, then she would be someone of authority, but if a woman does so, she is made to appear aggressive. If a male leader consults and creates commissions, then he is seen as cooperative, but a woman is seen as weak. 

Recently a leftist political commentator described the environment built against Bachelet a form of political femicide.