Santiago de Chile, April 30 (EFE-RHC)-- Concerned by the disrepute caused by scandals in Chile, which until recently had been synonymous with transparency and integrity, President Michelle Bachelet has announced a raft of rigid new anti-corruption measures for politics and trade, including a proposal for a new fully democratic constitution.

In a message on national radio and television on Tuesday, Bachelet announced legal reforms to end the “irregularities, corruption and lack of ethics” evident in recent scandals that have undermined public confidence in political and business classes.

“This is serious as it harms our democracy and generates abuses, privileges and inequality,” the president warned, acknowledging that “the people of Chile are offended” by this situation.
The new policies include administrative measures and legal reforms to be tabled almost immediately in parliament and recommendations submitted to an anti-corruption advisory board on Friday.

Bachelet also announced that in September, when Chile celebrates Fiestas Patrias or the anniversary of its independence movement, a process will be initiated to approve a new constitution to replace one which still contains laws reminiscent of the former dictatorship.
Bachelet warned of “severe measures” in her anti-corruption policies which certain sectors might resist “so that things continue to remain the same.”

“But my intention is clear: democracy and politics are for everyone and we cannot tolerate to have them captured by the power of money,” the president emphasized, announcing that she will “personally” drive this process “with all her energy and without any kind of fear.”

Drafting of new administrative measures will be complete within 15 days, and parliament will have a month and a half to consider them, Bachelet said, also announcing the urgent processing of an Integrity and Transparency Law and re-enforcement of the powers of the election commission.