Santiago, Chile – On December 10, 2024, hundreds of thousands of Chileans took to the streets in the capital, Santiago, to voice their anger over the government’s economic policies and their impact on the working class. The protests were sparked by the announcement of new austerity measures by President Gabriel Boric’s administration. These measures include cuts to social programs, tax hikes for the middle class, and a rise in public transportation fares, all of which many Chileans believe disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.

The protests quickly escalated from a rally against austerity to a broader movement calling for a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities in Chile. Protesters are demanding a fundamental reform of the country’s neoliberal economic model, which they say has enriched the elite while leaving the poor and middle class behind.

Riot police were deployed in heavy numbers, and clashes erupted in several areas. At least 13 people were reported injured and over 100 were arrested, with some protesters claiming they were targeted for speaking out against the government. Protest leaders are calling for a national strike to push for the resignation of key cabinet members and a revision of the proposed economic reforms.

The unrest has deepened political divisions in Chile. While Boric’s supporters argue that the president is merely implementing necessary fiscal reforms, critics accuse him of betraying the leftist ideals that got him elected. Boric’s approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low as the public grows frustrated with rising inflation, stagnant wages, and unemployment.

The situation has raised alarms about the stability of Chile’s democracy and its commitment to social justice, as many fear the country could see a repeat of the violent 2019 protests that led to the drafting of a new constitution. Despite the confrontations, there is also a growing sense of solidarity among the protesters, with labor unions, student groups, and indigenous communities joining the demonstrations.

Sources: Local news outlets, government statements, eyewitness accounts.