Chile was until recently a country recognized and admired in South America, a model of economic stability , of functional neo-liberal structure , constantly named as an example. Until October 19th, 2019, when President Sebastian Piñera decreted a state of emergency to reduce the protests of the people against unequal economic in the country. The return of military on the street and curfews just acted like oil on an already burning fire ... In a short resume, we explain the straw that broke the camel of a Chile in search of dignity.
Since the return to democracy in 1990, Chile has been structured, stabilized and grown, becoming an international tourist destination. The overall cost of living has been increasing in recent years, making the country one of the most expensive in South America. Unfortunately, wages did not rise proportionally for its foxs, and for several years, they have been asking several social benefits from government to leave precariousness.
On October 17, the government announces a CLP$ 30 increase in the value of Santiago Metro. This increase is resisted by secondary students who initiate a massive evasion of payments to the subway, skipping validators and inviting via social networks to follow the movement. With the passing hours, this answering action is increasing.
Unexpectedly, the protest took on a massive and national character, without party flags, without political colors. Unexpected and surprising union of Chileans around issues of dignity and inequality for unresolved years such as transportation, health, salaries, education, retirement and the constant rate increases in various services that end up deteriorating the quality of Life of a large majority.
Civil disobedience is generated throughout the country, with pockets of violence generated by small anarchist or drug-related groups that take the government on October 19 to decree a State of Emergency in the main cities of the country and install a curfew.
Sebastian Pinera, the current president , thought to regain control by putting a military control of national security on the streets, but to his surprise, people decided to maintain its peaceful meetings (usually) playing pans in all cities of the country. On the other hand, certain groups, extremist, have decided to act ignoring the curfew, burning and pillaging some of the large private or public companies representing inequality of resources.
Currently, the government has changed the tone and has proposed a series of modifications on some of these issues, but the people continue to insist that it is not enough ... the Chilean Revolution continues.
To understand what the Chileans ask when they go out in the city hitting their pans, here is a list of some of the main demands focused on an 8-point proposal (with some facts):
1.- Decent pensions:
The basic pensions at this time are $ 110,000Clp / month, equivalent to ± 150USD / month, an amount that does not allow survival in Chile; the minimum wage at this time is $ 320.000Clp / month = ± 440USD / month.
* This pension system called AFP has been in effect in Chile since 1982, and is currently completely delegated since it was found that Administrators generate large profits of their own but miserable pensions for retirees. In 2013 a “No + AFP” movement arises that battles the elimination and change of the pension system in Chile.
AFP (Pension Fund Administrators).
2.- Education:
For many years alreaddy, people is asking for free universal quality education. In few words, better quality, less costy and with no gain allowed to the industrie of education.
3.- Public health system of quality and accesible :
An improvement in public health services, more hospital supplies and more medical specialists are required.