SANTIAGO, Chile — Violent confrontations erupted between law enforcement and thousands of demonstrators in Chile’s capital city Wednesday as crowds gathered to oppose President José Antonio Kast’s proposed education budget reductions and cost-cutting policies.
The ultraconservative leader, who assumed the presidency on March 11, has committed to slashing approximately $6 billion from government expenditures within an 18-month timeframe to strengthen the nation’s financial position. His administration’s sweeping austerity strategy includes implementing close to a 3% reduction in funding for every government department.
These policies have faced opposition not just from rival political parties, but also from certain groups within Kast’s own governing alliance.
The demonstration was coordinated by the Confederation of Chilean Students with backing from various groups, including the Teachers’ Union, secondary school student associations, and feminist groups.
While the protest started without incident, the situation deteriorated when confrontations erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement. Police deployed water cannons and tear gas to break up the crowds, as some participants hurled stones and other projectiles. Traffic was disrupted on numerous streets and several subway stations shut down operations.
“The government sought to provoke this, to create this situation to justify repression,” Mario Aguilar, president of the Chilean Teachers’ Union, said.
Participants also voiced opposition to the administration’s National Reconstruction bill, an extensive legislative package designed to decrease government expenditures, stimulate investment and strengthen Chile’s economic performance.
The legislation, referred to as the “mega-reform” bill, received approval from the Chamber of Deputies in late May and will now move to Senate consideration.
“They want to silence us, but we are not going to stop,” said Magdalena Correa, a 21-year-old student. “They’re taking away our resources and rights, and we have to fight back.”
Neither police nor government representatives have issued statements regarding the confrontations. Nevertheless, Associated Press reporters witnessed no fewer than twelve arrests and multiple injuries throughout the disturbances.
