SANTIAGO DE CHILE.- Four years ago, Chile witnessed a social outbreak led by young people that resonated throughout Latin America and led to a historic process: the removal of the Constitution from the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. However, the enthusiasm that marked that moment has given way to a feeling of discouragement among Chilean youth, as a new plebiscite to vote on a second Constitution proposal in less than two years.
The first project, supported by leftist movements and the young president Gabriel Boric, was rejected. Now, polls suggest that the second proposal, drafted by a GOP-dominated council, could also face rejection by the Chilean people.
“There is wear and tear. Chile has been immersed in elections for more than five years, one after another. People are already tired, overwhelmed by the issue. They say, what can assure us that this will change?” Fernanda Ulloa told the AFP agency. the agency student of Political Sciences and president of the youth of the Evópoli political party (center-right), 24 years old.
Chile changed its priorities
Chilean society, which once mobilized massively for education, health and fair pensions, changed its priorities. The cost of living and insecurity, largely linked to migration, have overshadowed constitutional discussions.
“Although the two processes ended up becoming detached from the real needs of the people, I believe that the transformative will has not yet been extinguished,” says Catalina Lufín, president of the Student Federation of the University of Chile.
Among the topics that could revive the interest of young people, the 2017 abortion law stands out, which could be reviewed under the new proposal. The change proposed by the Republican Party generates concern among feminist movements.
The new Constitution also addresses educational autonomy, strengthens the Pension Fund Administrators (AFP) and, although it recognizes indigenous peoples, it does not guarantee clear rules for their autonomy.
If the “against” triumphs this Sunday, Pinochet’s Constitution will continue and Chile will have returned to the starting point. Apathy and uncertainty loom over a process that began with so much momentum and hope for significant change for the South American country.
Source: With information from AFP
