Chile: Student protests in multiple cities June 1

Event

The Confederation of Students of Chile (CONFECH) is calling for demonstrations in multiple cities on Thursday, June 1. Marches are planned to start at 10:30 (local time) in Valparaíso and Santiago. The protest in Valparaíso will start at Plaza Sotomayor and end at Parque Italia. In Santiago, protesters will gather at Plaza Italia and march down Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins towards Echaurren Street. Additional protests may take place in other cities.

Localized traffic disruptions and increased security measures in the vicinity of the marches are likely. Clashes between protesters and police and other outbreaks of violence are possible.

Context

Members of various other organizations are also expected to demonstration alongside CONFECH. An estimated 80,000 students participated in a similar march held in Santiago on May 9. Isolated incidents of violence between police officers and demonstrators were reported.

The organization is protesting against the State Guarantee Credit (CAE) system, which is intended to help students pay for college. The students are also calling for the government to forgive the debt of those who have already accepted the loan. CONFECH argues that students are left in significant debt for at least 15 years after accepting the CAE. Higher education reform legislation has been stalled for over nine months in congress.

Advice

Individuals in Chile are advised to avoid all protests due to the potential for violence and to be prepared for traffic disruptions in the vicinity of demonstrations.