Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has named a new Mining Minster after a cabinet reshuffle. Hernan de Solminachhas been appointed as the new mining minister, he was previously the Public Works Minister. Fernando Echeverria will take over the post of Energy Minister.
Laurence Golborne who was the Energy and Mining Minster is now the Public Works Minister. The cabinet reshuffle is part of the President’s attempt to counter a popularity crisis that the government is facing. Last week a poll showed a 62% disapproval rate for Pinera.
Most of the frustration is borne out of Pinera’s handling of the recent student protests where they asked for more affordable education and the mining strike at Codelco. The strike was the first national strike in almost twenty years and challenges the government in the growing feud over the future of the mining company.
Other changes implemented during the cabinet reshuffle include Andres Chadwick taking over as Interior Minister from Ena Von Baer, while Education Minister Joaquin Lavin will be replaced by Felipe Bulnes, who until now has been Justice Minister. Joaquin Lavinhas been appointed as the new Planning and Development Minister replacing Felipe Kast, while Teodoro Ribera will be Justice Minister.