Carolina Tohá Resigns as Interior Minister to Pursue Presidential Candidacy

Carolina Tohá, Chile’s Interior Minister, has resigned to run for president, stating it is her generation’s time to strive for leadership. Despite her extensive political experience, early polls show her trailing behind other candidates. President Gabriel Boric supports her ambitions, while Tohá faces scrutiny over her handling of crime issues.

Carolina Tohá, the Chilean Interior Minister, has officially resigned to pursue candidacy for the presidency in this year’s election. Tohá characterized her decision as a commitment from her generation to aspire for the nation’s highest office, indicating it is time for a new political challenge. “The time has come for me to undertake another political battle, which is to compete for the presidency,” she declared, acknowledging her extensive history of both achievements and setbacks in the political sphere.

President Gabriel Boric received Tohá’s resignation and expressed his support for her endeavor, suggesting a need for continued political alliance within the left. He emphasized the importance of competitive primaries in this context. Tohá’s resignation follows a cabinet shift, where she was succeeded by Álvaro Elizalde, Secretary General of the Presidency.

Despite being a seasoned political figure, Tohá’s candidacy faces challenges due to low early polling figures, with a recent survey indicating only 1.9% of respondents would select her as president. In contrast, leading conservative candidate Evelyn Matthei holds 24.3%, placing Tohá behind both Matthei and other right-wing contenders José Antonio Kast and Johannes Kaiser. She also trails Michelle Bachelet, the former president, who, despite not running, still commands significant popularity with 15.9% support.

With a robust background in politics, including her roles as a government spokeswoman and mayor, Tohá has significant experience. However, critics argue that her actions to address rising crime rates have been insufficient. Polling data indicates approximately 59% of Chileans disapprove of her effectiveness in this role. She faced notable scrutiny following delayed responses to incidents tied to her administration, such as the resignation of her undersecretary amid serious allegations. The presidential election’s first round is scheduled for November 16, with a potential run-off on December 14.

In summary, Interior Minister Carolina Tohá has decided to run for the presidency of Chile after stepping down from her ministerial role. While she brings a wealth of political experience, her candidacy is hindered by low early polling numbers. Support from her political peers and navigating a challenging electoral landscape will be crucial as she embarks on this new political journey. The upcoming presidential elections present a critical opportunity for Tohá, although her competition appears formidable.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar