Ricardo Lagos: "I am not, nor will I be a presidential candidate"

SANTIAGO.- Former President Ricardo Lagos officially announced today that he will not be the presidential candidate for the Concertación, but indicated that he will work for and travel the country along with whomever is chosen to be the coalition's representative in the next presidential elections.

After indicating that his contributions to Chile have been made through very diverse professions such as being a university professor opposed to the dictatorship, as a minister or as a President, Lagos stated "I am not, nor will I be the presidential candidate", and stressed "my contribution to the country will not be made by once again becoming a presidential candidate".

At the office of the Democracy and Development Foundation, the former ruler also referred to the scenario the person chosen by the Concertación will have to confront in order to compete in the next presidential elections – pointing out that "I will travel the country in support of the candidate that is chosen to represent the Concertación". Lagos also stressed that he will be focused on reviving the ideals of the leftist coalition.

Additionally, the former President thanked all of those that had expressed their support for him, asserting that from his point of view, and considering the results of the recent municipal elections, the presidential elections are "perfectly winnable". Lagos also reiterated the importance of having "a higher degree of organization within the Concertación".