Chile: National student strike and protests April 19

Event

The powerful student union Confect (Confederación de Estudiantes de Chile) has called for a national university strike and protests to be held on Thursday, April 19. The marches are set to begin at 11:00 (local time). The largest demonstration will take place in the capital Santiago, where protesters will gather at Bustamante Park before marching to Echaurren Street via the Alameda (the city’s main thoroughfare, also known as Avenue Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins). Road closures along the march route will be in effect from 10:00 to 14:00. A map of road closures and diversions published by Chilean police is available here.

Context

Student-led protests demanding education reforms have been recurrent in Chile over the past several years due to rising tuition costs. The demonstrations often draw large crowds and are frequently marred by low-level violence and traffic congestion. Former President Michele Bachelet introduced several educational reforms during her tenure, which resulted in a general calming of the situation. However, President Sebastián Piñera, in office since March 2018, has sought to implement more business-friendly policies, which could lead to a resurgence of unrest by student groups.  This is the first major student protest to occur in the country since Piñera came into office.

Advice

Individuals in Chile, particularly in Santiago, are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and to anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of protests.