Former Chilean President Michelle
Bachelet has announced she'll seek a second term in office.
The 62-year-old Bachelet returned to
Chile following two years in New York, where she headed the United
Nation's women's agency.
“I have taken the decision to be a
candidate,” she told supporters on Wednesday shortly after her
return.
Bachelet's four-year term as president
ended in 2010 with the election of conservative President Sebastian
Pinera. She remains a popular figure. In contrast, only 26 percent
of citizens approve of Pinera's government, according to a recent
poll.
In a wide-ranging interview with The
Clinic, Bachelet said that she agreed with former U.S. Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton on the issue of marriage equality.
(Related: Hillary
Clinton: I support gay marriage.)
“That gay marriage is now a topic
that is discussed openly speaks of a country that sees itself as less
prejudiced and has a greater sense of reality,” Bachelet
answered. “I believe in the concept of a large family, which
is based on caring relationships and support networks and less on
stereotypes. So in the coming weeks, I will make a proposal to the
nation on this subject.”