Gabriel Boric

Gabriel Boric is a Chilean politician who has served as the President of Chile since March 2022. A former student leader and member of the Chamber of Deputies, he represents a new generation of left-wing leadership in Latin America. His election followed the massive social protests of 2019–2020 and the subsequent constitutional process.

Early life and education

Gabriel Boric was born in Punta Arenas, in the Magallanes Region of southern Chile. He is the son of Luis Javier Boric Scarpa and María Soledad Font Aguilera. He completed his secondary education at the British School of Punta Arenas. He subsequently moved to Santiago to study law at the University of Chile. During his university years, he became actively involved in student politics, serving as president of the University of Chile Student Federation (FECh) from 2011 to 2012. His tenure coincided with the massive 2011–13 Chilean student protests demanding education reform, where he worked alongside figures like Camila Vallejo and Giorgio Jackson.

Political career

Boric's prominence from the student movement propelled him into national politics. He was elected as an independent deputy for the Magallanes Region in 2013, representing District 60. In the Chamber of Deputies, he was a member of the Autonomous Left bloc and later helped found the Social Convergence party. He served on committees for Human Rights, and Labour and Social Security. He was re-elected in the 2017 election. Boric was a key figure in the Agreement for Peace and the New Constitution signed at the Palacio de La Moneda in November 2019, which initiated the process to replace the Pinochet-era constitution.

Presidency

Gabriel Boric won the presidential election in December 2021, defeating his opponent José Antonio Kast in a runoff. He was inaugurated on 11 March 2022 at the National Congress of Chile in Valparaíso, becoming the youngest president in Chilean history. His administration has focused on implementing a progressive agenda, including tax reform, expanding social rights, and overseeing the Constitutional Convention. His government faced significant challenges, including the rejection of the proposed new charter in the 2022 plebiscite, high inflation, and managing complex security issues in regions like the Araucanía Region. Key cabinet members have included Mario Marcel as Minister of Finance and Alberto van Klaveren as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Political positions

Boric identifies with the left-wing and democratic socialism. His platform, under the coalition Apruebo Dignidad, advocates for a robust welfare state, environmental protection, and feminist policies. He supports the rights of Indigenous peoples, including constitutional recognition for groups like the Mapuche. On foreign policy, he has sought to strengthen ties within Latin America, while maintaining critical stances on regimes in Venezuela and Nicaragua. He is a strong advocate for addressing climate change and has supported international agreements like the Escazú Agreement. His government has also promoted reforms to pensions, health care, and the labor movement.

Personal life

Boric is married to Irina Karamanos, a sociologist and former head of the First Lady's office, a role she redefined before stepping down. The couple has no children. Boric has been open about his personal interests, including a fondness for literature, citing influences from Chilean authors like Roberto Bolaño. He is a supporter of the Club Deportivo Magallanes football team. In 2023, he was diagnosed with Sydenham's chorea, a neurological condition, for which he has received treatment and has continued his presidential duties.

Category:Presidents of Chile Category:1986 births Category:Living people