Palacio de la Moneda
11 March 2006

Thank you men and women of Chile. Thank you for your applause. Thank you for the smiles that you give me. Thank you for the embraces. I feel privileged to receive so much affection. I want to direct my words to all the men and women of Chile, without exclusion.

In times past we were divided amongst one another. We looked at each other with distrust, suspicion, with disdain. In these sixteen years of democracy we have worked together to smooth the rough edges of a divided society, of a society that separated us between us and them.

This is the moment when we all feel as one. Today, the winds have changed. Today, there is nothing more besides the future. A future where everyone belongs, where we can all build a better nation. An inclusive nation, where no kind of diversity will be left out. Where nobody feels that their destiny has been left out in the cold.

We have prepared for a great challenge. The twenty first century has presented new trials, some of which are still unknown. Beyond the technological revolution that is before our eyes and approaching, I think of the ways in which we relate to one another as well. How we interact in community and fight against individualism, indifference, and desperation. The time has come to look at one another, face to face, without resentment or suspicion.

The past is what it is: past. We will never forget it, but our gaze is fixed on tomorrow. A more prosperous tomorrow, more just, more egalitarian, more participative. We know that in four years we will not resolve all problems. That was never in my campaign platform. But we will take a step forward. A great step forward. It will be the government of the citizens. From the neglected to the entrepreneurs, this infinite spectrum of colors, of perspectives and viewpoints, gives our society such richness.

The citizens have in me a president who will always speak the language of truth. Difficulties will emerge, without a doubt, all governments encounter them. Campaigns are made in poetry, but governments are made in prose. Even so, whatever difficulties that may arise, you will not see the relationship between us affected. We will establish a dialogue based on openness and participation. A grand pact between the citizens and their leaders. As you all know, I keep my commitments. I say what I think and I do as I say. On my word as a woman!

Our endeavor will not come without opposition. Parliament is the expression that gives legitimacy to our laws, it does not matter what political overtones the laws have, we will achieve a shared ideal, which is the welfare of all Chileans and justice throughout our land.

Our focus will be put towards children, so that they can learn and develop from a young age and eliminate all traces of inequality. Our endeavors will be put towards those who aspire to have a job, a decent job. Our support will be given to young people filled with talent who want to go to university, who want to learn, who want to forge their own destiny. Our efforts will be with women, because women deserve it. Our efforts will be with our indigenous communities. Our efforts will be with people with any kind of disability. The state should be put to the service to those who suffer the bitterness of defenselessness and on the side of those who wish to rise up. In Chile there will not be one forgotten citizen. That is my promise. We will be active in all the regions. There will not be one town or village that won’t receive our concern. If not, men and women of Chile, you can hold me to my word.

You already know: I never had ambitions for power, I have only had the desire to serve. The office that I assume today has been given to me by you. And I feel the weight of that responsibility. Every Chilean is in my mind and my heart at this moment.

I understand very well the reality of my country. I know of dangers and inequalities. I also know of invaluable successes, such as Noble prizes, artists and creatives who have forged our culture. The tenacity of our athletes. The labor and merit of our professionals and workers, who are the strength of our land. I think of the many who have managed to rise against adversity with great commitment. Everyone, throughout our wide territory, will be the focus of my administration.

Friends, this is a solemn moment for the country. I ask you to turn your heads and look at the illustrious citizens that adorn this plaza. It is the republic, friends, this is the republic.

Over there in front is Diego Portales and the symbol of a nascent republic, small, modest for its time, but vigorous, lover of order, that learned to resolve its differences through the rule of law and not by arms. Jorge Alessandri, Salvador Allende, and Eduardo Frei Montalva are also in this plaza. A homage to all of them, who symbolize our modern nation, the country of the twentieth century, our call to democracy, and an era of progress and social advancements.

I am the depositary of the entirety of a history, that has had its gray and bitter times, but that has managed to recuperate itself. As a Chilean people today, we live better and freer than before. He have had three successful governments. I am proud to continue a path that has brought forth so many fruits. My regards and love to Don Patricio Alwyin and Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle. The Chile that we start building today is based on the foundations that they build yesterday.

My special gratitude also goes to another illustrious citizen, Ricardo Lagos. What great pride we Chileans feel today, upon seeing him leave this palace, cheered by his people. Yes, friends! Cheer louder, because when we applaud a president who has done his duty well we are applauding the entire republic.

Finally, there is one tribute that I cannot stop from giving. On the 12 of March, 32 years ago, my father passed away, Alberto Bachelet Martinez. One day I will be with him again, but I know that he is also here with me right now. In the memory of my father, General Bachelet, I wish to salute the armed forces of Chile, who are an important part of our history and who today are the legacy of all Chileans.

Friends, we are on the verge of making this a developed country, with more justice and better opportunities. The world is watching us. The world observes with careful attention this little country at the South of the planet. A country that knew how to peacefully leave a dictatorship, that knew how to construct a solid democracy, that knew how to rediscover itself, that progresses, and that knows how to bring millions of compatriots out of poverty, in liberty and dignity for all. This little country, the distinguished visitors who accompany us here know, today wishes to take a grand step in its history. A step for prosperity for all of its children, it is certain, but also for a new form of policy making. More inclusive, more participative, more open, more transparent. A policy by and for the citizens.

Men and women of Chile, I know very well that are many unsatisfied needs. I understand the just aspirations that exist in every family. I wish to bring my experience, my sensitivity, and my effort to the beautiful task of guiding this country towards a better destiny. This is what we want for Chile, and we know that together, we can achieve it.

A new era is born. A time for joy, a time for men, a time for youth and children, a time for women. It is time for everyone in my beloved country, the country of all the citizens.

Thank you friends, thank you very much.

[Student translation]

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Original Spanish: