Epidemics aren’t simply political crises or acts of violence. They are expressions of pain and fractures within a society. In a speech marking the third anniversary of the event known as the explosion, Chilean President Gabriel Boric framed the protests that shook the nation in 2019 as a manifestation of deep-seated grievances that political leaders have struggled to interpret or address. The protests included intense clashes, barricades, and the use of noise and force, underscoring the urgency of urgent reforms.
Boric, who is 36, is at an age when many peers take to the streets to demand change. He urged his country to confront the horizons of change on October 18, following the setback of the constitution drafted during that period of upheaval. Congress now has the opportunity to craft another foundational text. Time passes quickly. He asserted that it is time to step beyond comfortable routines. The head of state also called for concrete responses to the economic and social demands that sparked waves of demonstrations, which left many injured and dozens dead, underscoring the human cost of unresolved grievances.
The failed attempt to revise the Magna Carta was an effort to resolve the conflict that swept through the major Chilean cities. The ballot-box defeat of that proposal altered the political reality. He noted that there were months when more than 70 percent of the population supported social change. One contributing factor to the current moment, according to him, was the inability of some politicians to respond to demands. Progress has been slow, and reforms to strengthen the rights of people remain unfinished.
Three years after the social upheaval, Chile faces another window to lay the groundwork for a more just and dignified society. The government has emphasized urgent reforms aimed at meeting the expectations of Chilean men and women. The administration has affirmed its commitment to addressing the root causes of the crisis and to pursuing measures that promote greater social equity.
The presidency has underscored the importance of constructing policies that respond to the needs expressed during the protests, while maintaining a governance framework that upholds the rule of law. The call has been for policies that balance security with respect for human rights, ensuring that public order is preserved without compromising the fundamental rights of citizens.
Criticism from across the spectrum
Opposition voices on the right criticized the president’s approach, arguing that the government might be conceding ideological ground and that there has not been a systematic violation of human rights. Some suggested that by stressing violence, the administration risks alienating political partners and key allies. Critics accused Boric of political balancing that may speak to many audiences without fully addressing core concerns.
In the political arena, questions arose about how the government engages with law enforcement and how to discuss public safety alongside civil liberties. Observers warned that the administration must avoid political juggling and pursue a clear, consistent stance on how to protect citizens while upholding democratic norms.
Commentators from the left, including authors and analysts who have studied Chilean politics for years, noted that little has fundamentally changed since 2019. They argued that the current leadership must demonstrate a coherent program and demonstrate how reforms will address structural issues. The core concern is whether the government can move beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible improvements that prevent a recurrence of social fractures and reduce risk to vulnerable populations.
No guilty party defined
In the related accountability sphere, human rights institutions reported a high rate of unresolved cases, with many complaints showing that defendants did not appear in court or could not be identified. This raised questions about the effectiveness of prosecution and the adequacy of measures to determine responsibility for violations. The institutions stressed that a comprehensive recovery policy should include rehabilitation for victims, restoration of conditions prior to the violations, and compensation for harms suffered. A formal process of recognition and public acknowledgment of the facts and the victims was also highlighted as essential to healing and justice. The discussion emphasized that addressing past harms is a critical component of rebuilding trust and ensuring sustained social peace.