Quito, January 28 (RHC-teleSUR) -- Argentinean Vice President Gabriela Michetti outlined various policy objectives for her country’s government such as the strengthening of democracy, poverty reduction and the fight against narco-trafficking at the fourth CELAC summit in Quito, Ecuador, on Wednesday.
“CELAC is a space to help us grow. Specifically, as it relates to the goals of our government over the next several years,” Michetti stated.
The newly elected vice president vowed to promote policies with the goal of widening social inclusion, reducing poverty, and expanding dignified employment. However, Michetti’s comments come as her newly elected administration fired more then 12,000 public workers, as part of a purge of various state agencies.
During her speech, Machetti claimed she was committed to strengthen democratic institutions, amid the highly criticized arrest of Indigenous, social leader Milagro Sala, after protesting the new government of Mauricio Macri.
Similarly, the recent decision by Argentinean President Mauricio Macri to declare a “Emergency State for Security”, drew widespread criticism from local NGO’s, expressing concern over potential human rights abuses involving law enforcement in efforts to combat drug-trafficking.
Towards the end of her speech, Michetii said that one of the key priorities for her government is to combat climate change through the “promotion of clean and renewable energy through encouraging investment in these industries.”
“We are currently working in conjunction with Bolivia and Chile in the area of renewable energy.” She stated.
Bolivia is considered one of the regional powers in energy, with the second-largest natural gas reserves in South America. Both from an energy and political point of view, Bolivia represents a key part of the regional cooperation efforts that have occurred over the last decade in the region.
Vice President Michetti stepped in for Argentine President Mauricio Macri who did not attend his first ever Community of Latin American and Caribbean States summit due to a “recommendation” from his doctors.
