CHICAGO, Sept.28 (Reuters) – Former US President Barack Obama on Tuesday warned of “policies that fuel anger and resentment” in a speech at the inauguration of his presidential library in Chicago, which, according to him, would help to strengthen democratic ideas.

The 44th President said the future Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will aim to strengthen vulnerable ideals in a bitter modern American political environment and address global economic, social, technological and environmental problems that major institutions have failed to address. .

“In the breach, a culture of cynicism and mistrust can develop,” said the former Democratic president. “We are starting to see more divisions and increasingly bitter conflicts. A politics that feeds anger and resentment towards those who are not like us and begins to turn away from democratic principles in favor of tribalism and power makes just.”

Obama did not directly name his successor, Republican Donald Trump, who has continued since his departure to make false claims that his election defeat in November was the result of widespread fraud. Several courts, state election officials and members of Trump’s own administration have dismissed the claims.

Construction of the $ 700 million center on the city’s south side began in August despite opposition from local activists. Donations to the Obama Foundation pay for the project.

It will house a 2009-2017 Obama Presidency artifact museum and will be a public gathering space for cultural and educational events. Obama made history as the first black president of the United States.

“We are on the verge of creating the world’s first institution to train civic leaders in all fields, in all disciplines and, yes, across the political spectrum,” said Obama, 60, who previously worked as community organizer in Chicago.

Obama represented part of the city’s south side in the Illinois State Senate before being elected to the United States Senate and then to the White House.

Reporting by Brendan O’Brien in Chicago; Editing by Scott Malone and Gerry Doyle

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