Chile: Anti-government protests continue in Santiago March 2 /update 50

Event

Anti-government protesters have gathered in protest in Santiago on Monday, March 2, breathing life back into the nationwide protest movement that began in October 2019. Clashes with police were reported as well, both in Santiago and nearby Maipú, where police used tear gas to break up crowds. Protesters mostly gathered at Plaza Italia/Dignidad and a fire was also reported amid the clashes.

There are several protests scheduled in the coming several days:

• Tuesday, March 3, protest against Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Isabel Plá
• Wednesday, March 4, student mobilization to mark the start of the schoolyear
• Thursday, March 5, student mobilization
• Friday, March 6, weekly Super Viernes gathering at at Plaza Italia/Dignidad
• Monday, March 9, for a nationwide feminist march
• Wednesday, March 11, to mark President Sebastian Piñera's two years as president
• Friday, March 13, weekly Super Viernes gathering at at Plaza Italia/Dignidad
• Sunday, March 15, climate march.
  

A heightened security presence, as well as transportation and business disruptions are expected near all demonstrations. Clashes between demonstrators and police officers cannot be ruled out.

Context

Demonstrations broke out in October 2019 after the Chilean government announced an increase in metro and bus fares. The mass protests escalated in Santiago and other cities over the following days to denounce high costs of living, rising electricity prices, the privatization of water, and other social issues. President Sebastián Piñera announced on November 17 that the government will allow citizens to vote on a new constitution and that he is willing to consider raising pensions by more than 20 percent. An agreement reached by politicians on November 15 will organize a referendum in April 2020, where Chileans will vote whether to replace the current charter of rights (magna carta) from Pinochet's dictatorship and a new legislative assembly.

Advice

Individuals in Chile, particularly in Santiago, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.