Velasco denies possibility of running for president

SANTIAGO.- After his name emerged as a possible replacement for DC senator Eduardo Frei as the presidential candidate for the Concertación, Minister of Finance Andrés Velasco has taken it upon himself to clear up any questions regarding the matter. The minister stated that he does not plan on becoming a presidential candidate and assured that those who brought up the subject matter are only looking to divide the leftist coalition.

From France, where he is currently accompanying President Michelle Bachelet during her official tour through the nation, the state secretary was asked about his willingness to compete in the presidential race to La Moneda. "I am not part of that, I am not available for that", he responded.

The minister added that his intentions are actually quite contrary and stated that he regrets the fact that some are trying to use his name to "bring about divisions within the Concertación".

One of the first people to announce that the Concertación was looking at Velasco as a possible presidential candidate following the difficulties Frei has encountered in his campaign, was presidential candidate and Socialist Party deputy Marco Enríquez-Ominami.

Later, the former DC deputy Tomás Jocelyn-Holt also joined up with Enríquez-Ominami.