Chile president unveils reforms after protests
October 23, 2019
Chile's President Sebastian Pinera announced a package of social measures on Tuesday, following five days of violent protests that have left at least 15 people dead.
Read more: What's behind wealthy Chile's deadly protests?
In a speech at the presidential palace in Santiago, president Pinera said he would increase the universal basic pension by 20% and freeze tariffs on electricity, and also proposed a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment.
"Faced with the legitimate needs and social demands of the citizenship, we have received with humility and clarity the message Chileans have given us," Pinera said.
Following his speech, the president took to Twitter to post the new social agenda, saying that he has heard the voices of the Chilean people "loud and clear."
Read more: Opinion: Chile protests shine light on economic inequality
Are the reforms enough?
The president's proposal comes ahead of general strike planned for Wednesday. The Copper Workers Federation (FTC) announced it would participate in the strike along with teachers and public sector employees.
On Tuesday, workers at the Escondida mine, the largest copper deposit in the world, partially paralyzed work in support of the demonstrations.
The protests were sparked when the Chilean government announced it was going to increase the fares on the Santiago metro.
The fare hike has since been cancelled, but not before 15 people died and over 1,900 people were arrested in the student-led protests, according to UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet.
kmm/se (AFP/EFE)
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