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Chilean president ousts four ministers over transit debacle

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet ousted four ministers on Monday in the second Cabinet shuffle of her year-old government, apologizing to the poor in particular for a failed transit system.

Problems with Transantiago, a wholesale overhaul of Santiago's antiquated transport system, have triggered widespread anger and protests in this capital city of 6 million.

Bachelet removed Sergio Espejo, the minister of transportation who has been at the center of criticism, presidential spokesman Ricardo Lagos Weber announced.

Also leaving the Cabinet are presidential Chief of Staff Paulina Veloso, Defense Minister Vivianne Blanlot and Justice Minister Isidro Solis.

Bachelet, a socialist, made a nationally televised address after the announcement, saying "things have not been done well" and the mistakes "hurt me deeply, because they have especially affected the poor."

"I accept that changes are necessary," Bachelet said.

"This will be a new stage, and mistakes will not be accepted," she said.

Espejo will be replaced by fellow Christian Democrat Rene Cortazar, an economist and former labor minister.

Lagos Weber did not elaborate on the reasons for the Cabinet changes, which were widely expected as even some government supporters became critical of the handling of Transantiago.

Bachelet's popularity had dropped to 47 percent as a result of the problems, according to recent opinion polls. Her rate of approval toppled 65 percent when she was inaugurated one year ago.

Since Transantiago was launched Feb. 10, large areas of the city have been almost devoid of public transportation, forcing people to walk long distances to catch scarce buses.

In the city's overburdened subway system, large crowds fight for trains. In the crush, one person suffered a fatal heart attack.

The situation triggered protests in several working-class neighborhoods, where people blocked traffic with barricades.
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