On 11 September 1973, Chile's socialist program led by President Salvador Allende was overthrown by a US-backed military coup. From the subsequent dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet, to the democratic transition and up until now, all Chilean governments have committed themselves to preserving a neoliberal model, which has led to a seemingly insurmountable gap between the Chilean elite and the people.
Against this backdrop, a rise in metro fares was the trigger for the country to erupt in mass protests. Chileans are demanding the resignation of right-wing President Sebastian Piñera and an end to the Pinochet constitution. Chile's constitution restricts democracy and enshrines neoliberal economic policies which have hampered the people's rights to education, healthcare and social benefits.
In response to the ongoing protests, Piñera's government announced curfews across Chile and unleashed the military upon Chileans. The brutal tactics, including mass arrests, torture, killings and disappearances, have prompted comparisons with the dictatorship's persecution of its opponents; the only difference being that such violence is ordained during Chile's semblance of democracy.
As it became clear that the Chileans would not back down from their demands, Piñera promised social reforms and issued belated apologies. Unsurprisingly, Chileans are not only sceptical but outright refuse concessions, after experiencing relics of the military dictatorship through the President's approval of military repression against the people. Likewise, Piñera's announcement calling for the resignation of his cabinet failed to dent the Chilean people's demand to build an inclusive and just society.
For the first time in decades, the mass protests have proved the strength of Chile's collective memory. Pinochet's call for oblivion is defeated; this can be seen in how Chileans demonstrated with full awareness of continuity. The people have broadcast concerts by Victor Jara, murdered by the dictatorship. They have also protested in memory of the disappeared victims of the dictatorship, while asking, repeatedly, where the current detained and disappeared protestors have been taken by the military. The Chilean people have also testified to their unity with the Mapuche people, all protesting as one against neoliberal violence.
In turn, Chile has also vindicated Allende's 1973 final broadcast before the presidential palace was bombed by the Chilean military: 'The people must not let themselves be destroyed or riddled with bullets, but they cannot be humiliated either. Workers of my country, I have faith in Chile and its destiny. Other men will overcome this dark and bitter moment when treason seeks to prevail. Go forward