Chile: Thousands of students protest in Santiago May 9

Event

An estimated 80,000 students participated in a march through Santiago on Tuesday, May 9. The protest, organized by the Confederation of Students of Chile (CONFECH), started at 11:00 (local time) at Plaza Baquedano. Demonstrators then marched down Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins to Echaurren street. Isolated incidents of violence between protesters and security forces were reported on Avenida Brasil at the end of the march. Police fired water cannons to disperse some of the demonstrators. City officials had authorized the protest to continue until 14:00. Expect traffic disruptions in the area following the protest. Additional student protests may be organized in the coming days and weeks.

Context

CONFECH 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 monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the potential for violence, and be prepared for traffic disruptions in the vicinity of demonstrations.