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Chilean President Michelle Bachelet appointed a hard-line Christian Democrat to replace the outgoing Minister of Interior Jorge Burgos, who resigned unexpectedly Wednesday for “personal reasons.”
Bachelet pleaded with her ruling coalition to unify behind former Ambassador Mario Fernandez, following rumors Burgos left because of divisions with the broad left coalition ranging from centre-right politicians to communists .
“Our task is to complete the reforms and translate them into concrete benefits for the people," said Bachelet on Wednesday. Fernandez, previously ambassador to Uruguay, asserted that he is firmly behind the decisions of the government, which Burgos had on occasion vocally opposed.
WATCH: Chile: Bachelet’s Disapproval Rating Hits New High
Burgos, also a Christian Democrat, succeeded Rodrigo Peñailillo, who was dismissed last year over a scandal involving alleged irregular funding of Bachelet’s 2013 election campaign. Burgos served for just over a year before announcing his resignation due to "physical exhaustion" after two years as minister, first serving as defense minister.
An anti-crime bill that was one of Burgos’ major initiatives drew sharp criticism Tuesday from the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Osvaldo Andrade of the Socialist Party. He was also known to have clashed on several occasions with Bachelet.
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