Myanmar swears in first civilian government in decades

For the first time in over 50 years, the head of state democratically elected takes office in the country. Government Htin Kyaw, however, will be led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who takes four ministries.



President Htin Kyaw and "superministra" Aung San Suu Kyi: it takes four ministries and heads the government

He took office on Wednesday (30/03) for the first time in over 50 years, an elected civilian president in a democratic manner in Myanmar. Economist Htin Kyaw, 69, received the post of head of state of former general Thein Sein, who led in recent years to transition from the Southeast Asian country's military dictatorship to democracy.

Elected by Parliament, Kyaw is Nobel henchman of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The party has almost four-fifths of the seats placed in voting in elections in November.

Suu Kyi, 70, could not run for office because the Constitution prevents citizens with foreign families take the head of state - her children are British passport.

It is, however, a "superministra", responsible for folders abroad, Education, Energy, besides the Civil House. Suu Kyi stressed that lead the government, and thus be "above the president." He must follow his instructions.

"The government's priority is national reconciliation, peace, economic and social development and a Constitution that allows democracy and federalism," Htin Kyaw said in brief inaugural address.

Htin Kyaw launched an appeal for the change of the Constitution approved by the last military junta, which prevented Suu Kyi from running for office and giving broad powers to the army.

"I have an obligation to work for a constitution that has democratic standards and is suitable for the country," he said. The president called for "patience" to achieve the objectives proposed by his government.

The new president and his government will begin his term on April 1. Myanmar has been ruled by generals 1962 until 2011, when the last military junta was dissolved after passing on the power for a friendly civilian government to the armed forces, led by former general Thein Sein.

Thein Sein began a process of political, economic and social reforms that was rewarded with the suspension of sanctions hanging over the country, imposed by the European Union and the United States.