President of Chile
The President of Chile (Spanish: Presidente de Chile), officially known as the President of the Republic of Chile (Spanish: Presidente de la República de Chile), is the head of state and head of government of the Republic of Chile. The president is responsible for both government administration and state administration.[2] Although its role and significance have changed over time, and its position and relations with other actors in the national political organization have also evolved, it remains one of the most prominent political offices in the country. It is also considered one of the key institutions that form the "Historic Constitution of Chile," and is crucial to the country's political stability.[3]
For a list, see List of presidents of Chile.President of the Republic of Chile
Four years, renewable non-consecutively
9 June 1826
Ministry of the Interior and Public Security
(as ex officio "Vice-President")
155,199,315 Chilean pesos/US$190,466 annually[1]
Under the current Constitution, adopted in 1980, the president serves a four-year term and is not eligible for immediate re-election. The shorter term (previously it was six years) allows for synchronized parliamentary and presidential elections. The president's official seat is the La Moneda Palace in the capital Santiago.
Michelle Bachelet was the first female president of Chile and served from 2006 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2018.[4][5] Since 2022, Gabriel Boric is the current president, having won the 2021 Chilean general election and taking office on 11 March 2022.[6]
History[edit]
The origins of Chile as a nation can be traced to 1541, when it was separated from the existing Viceroyalty of Peru by King Charles I, creating the new Kingdom of Chile. The head of state continued to be the king, but he was represented locally by the Royal Governor.
Features of the office[edit]
Requirements[edit]
The Constitution of 1980, with its 2005 amendment, outlines the qualifications for becoming president. To be eligible, the individual must be a natural-born Chilean citizen or born abroad to Chilean parents or grandparents. They must also be at least 35 years old[7] and meet all the requirements for becoming a Senator.
In addition, the president must have the right to vote as a fully Chilean citizen, which includes being at least 18 years of age, not having been sentenced to a severe punishment, not having lost the right to vote due to insanity, not having been tried or condemned for a serious crime or terrorist conduct, nor condemned by the Constitutional Court under Article 8 of the Chilean Constitution.
Ford Galaxie 500, the presidential car used in ceremonies
