The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, condemned the violence carried out by a hooded faction on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the coup. The demonstrations reached the Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago, a site linked to a pivotal moment in Chile’s history when Salvador Allende died to defend the rule of law. Clashes occurred during the march with relatives of those affected, a scene that culminated at the cemetery. Boric attended in solidarity amid reminiscences of the dictatorship’s repression. Protesters who resorted to violence damaged the windows of the headquarters and defaced walls along the route.
Disagreements between the government and right-wing factions about the events of September 11, 1973 have resurfaced in today’s political landscape. The opposition criticized Boric’s presence at the pilgrimage with relatives of those who were tortured and executed under the dictatorship. Boric stated, with conviction, that he participated proudly because the country owes a debt of gratitude to those who fought for truth and justice. He emphasized that this mission underpins the National Search Plan for missing persons and the broader effort to uncover the fate of those affected by the era.
At the conclusion of the walk, small groups of black-clad individuals attempted to disrupt the demonstration. They damaged windows and assaulted several participants, then disrupted the proceedings and ultimately targeted graves in the general cemetery. The killing of former senator Jaime Guzmán by the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front remains a reference point from the country’s transition to democracy in the early 1990s.
Speaking on the events, Boric underscored that, as head of state, violence has no place in a functioning democracy. He urged accountability and adherence to the rule of law, describing the actions as irrational and condemnable, and highlighted the horror of attacks on what Allende and other democrats stood for. The president asserted that those who incite or participate in such violence threaten democratic norms and the progress that many seek through dialogue and peaceful means.
According to Boric, supporters of violence also undermine the consensus needed to strengthen democracy and civic trust. He affirmed that the majority who pursue reform through peaceful means will prevail, and promised continued efforts toward social transformation grounded in peace and constructive engagement with differing viewpoints.
The government announced the complaints
Undersecretary of Internal Affairs Manuel Monsalve announced that the government will pursue legal action against those responsible for the violent acts and will forward all evidence to the State Defense Council (CDE) for consideration. The move signals a commitment to uphold public order while allowing for a transparent process to address the incidents.
The right-wing coalition Chile Vamos expressed regret over the events, labeling them as serious vandalism aimed at Guzmán’s tomb and the Carabineros Mausoleum. Its constituent parties—National Renewal, the Independent Democratic Union, and Evópoli—refrained from participating in the ceremony on the anniversary. They issued a statement emphasizing the need to soften polarizing rhetoric and to ensure that the commemoration remains a moment of peaceful reflection on both the coup and the current state of democracy. The message stressed a shared desire to protect democratic institutions and to foster dialogue rather than escalation.
As the nation reflects on half a century since the disruption of constitutional order, the emphasis remains on honoring those who suffered and ensuring that the memory serves to strengthen democratic norms. The day is framed not as a partisan battleground but as a moment to reaffirm commitments to truth, justice, and the rule of law, with a focus on peaceful participation and respectful discourse that can unite rather than divide the country.