Chile Leader Taps Envoy To Argentina After Nepotism Row

Chile's President Sebastian Pinera named his new ambassador to Argentina on Monday after opposition outrage forced him to back down over the initial choice of his brother for the sensitive diplomatic post

Santiago, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2018 ) :Chile's President Sebastian Pinera named his new ambassador to Argentina on Monday after opposition outrage forced him to back down over the initial choice of his brother for the sensitive diplomatic post.

Pinera instead appointed lawyer Sergio Urrejola as ambassador in Buenos Aires. Urrejola "has already received approval" from Argentina's government, Chile's foreign ministry said. The appointment puts a lid on Pinera's first scandal as president since being elected to succeed the outgoing Michelle Bachelet in March.

The conservative billionaire announced in April that his brother Pablo would represent Chile in Argentina, a key post given the political and commercial ties between the two South American heavyweights.

But outraged opposition lawmakers filed an appeal challenging the legality of the appointment and Pinera was forced to back down, after making an official visit to Argentina at the end of April.