Chileans vote this weekend whether to rewrite the Pinochet-era constitution
On the anniversary of Chile’s mass demonstrations a year ago, peaceful rallies turned violent by the evening, with looting and two churches set ablaze.
In October 2019, more than 1 million Chileans joined public protests. Though the initial spark was a metro fare increase, Chileans had a long list of grievances. Protesters objected to the persistent legacy of the 1973-1990 dictatorship — crystallized in calls for replacing the Pinochet-era constitution.
Protesters chanted “It’s not 30 pesos, it’s 30 years” referring to the three decades that have passed since Gen. Augusto Pinochet left power and the regime’s continuing legacy. President Sebastián Piñera, in response, called for a national referendum to give Chileans the chance to vote to keep or replace the constitution.… Seguir leyendo »