Biden congratulates Boric on elections that set ‘powerful example’
Washington, Dec 30 (EFE).- United States President Joe Biden on Thursday in a telephone call congratulated Chile’s new president-elect Gabriel Boric on his election victory and said the polls set an example for the world.
“The president applauded Chile’s free and fair elections as a powerful example to the region and the world,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
At just 35 years old and with more than 4.6 million votes, on Dec. 19 Boric became the youngest and most voted-for leader in the history of Chile.
A staunch critic of the neoliberal model installed during the military dictatorship (1973-1990), Boric promises massive reform to expand the role of the State towards a welfare model similar to that of Europe, with environmentalist, feminist and regionalist focuses.
Psaki said that Biden stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries to “promote a green and equitable recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and to address the existential threat posed by climate change.”
“The two leaders discussed their shared commitment to social justice, democracy, human rights, and inclusive growth,” she added.
The president also offered his deepest condolences for the tragic death of Chilean Valentina Orellana-Peralta, a 14-year-old girl who on Dec. 23 was hit by a stray bullet fired by a police officer during an operation in a clothes store in Los Angeles. EFE
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