From October 2019 to early 2022, Chile witnessed a period of intense civil unrest known as the Estallido Social ("Social Outburst"). Sparked by a modest fare hike for the Santiago Metro, these protests evolved into a nationwide movement against entrenched social inequality, rising costs of living, and the privatization of key public services. The movement culminated in a process to rewrite the country's dictatorship-era constitution, marking one of the most transformative periods in modern Chilean history.
Origins and Escalation
The protests began on October 7, 2019, with a fare evasion campaign led by high school students. By mid-October, the demonstrations escalated as citizens vandalized and set fire to metro stations, disabling Santiago's critical transportation system. On October 18, the government declared a state of emergency and imposed curfews, deploying military forces to the streets for the first time since Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship.
President Sebastián Piñera initially referred to the unrest as a "war against a powerful enemy," a statement widely criticized for its inflammatory tone. Protests spread to cities like Valparaíso, Concepción, and Antofagasta, often accompanied by rioting, looting, and destruction of public infrastructure. By late October, over a million people marched in Santiago, demanding systemic reforms and Piñera’s resignation.
Social Demands and Government Response
The protests brought longstanding grievances to the forefront. Despite decades of economic growth, Chile remained one of Latin America's most unequal countries, with stark disparities in wealth, access to education, healthcare, and pensions. Protesters demanded:
- Improved wages and pensions
- Affordable healthcare and education
- Reversals of privatization policies
- Resignation of President Piñera
- A new constitution
On October 22, 2019, Piñera apologized for failing to address public demands and announced a "New Social Agenda," including increases in pensions, reduced electricity tariffs, and higher taxes on the wealthy. However, these concessions were criticized as inadequate.
The protests continued, with major demonstrations, including the "Biggest March in Chile’s History" on October 25, when 1.2 million people gathered in Santiago alone.
The Agreement for Peace and a New Constitution
In November 2019, the Chilean Congress reached a historic agreement to hold a national plebiscite on whether to draft a new constitution. This step was seen as a critical response to the protests, aiming to address deep-rooted inequality enshrined in the 1980 Constitution created during Pinochet's regime.
On October 25, 2020, 78% of voters approved the drafting of a new constitution. Elections in May 2021 selected a diverse Constitutional Convention, with indigenous representatives, activists, and independent candidates playing a significant role.
Violence, Human Rights Violations, and Public Costs
The protests were marred by significant violence and allegations of human rights abuses. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch accused Chilean security forces of excessive force, torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions. Protest symbols, such as bandaged eyes, highlighted the brutality of state responses.
The economic impact was also severe. Damages to public and private infrastructure, including the Santiago Metro, were estimated at $3.5 billion, with 300,000 jobs lost.
Pandemic and Waning Momentum
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly subdued the protests, as lockdowns and social distancing measures limited large gatherings. Nevertheless, sporadic demonstrations continued in key areas like Plaza Baquedano, where activists demanded the release of the so-called "Prisoners of the Revolt." The government's perceived mishandling of these protests further fueled tensions.
Constitutional Plebiscite and New Political Leadership
Gabriel Boric, a former student activist, won the 2021 presidential election on a platform aligned with the protest movement's demands. He defeated far-right candidate José Antonio Kast with 56% of the vote, becoming Chile’s youngest president.
Under Boric's administration, a new constitution was drafted and put to a referendum on September 4, 2022. However, the proposed constitution, which included progressive provisions on indigenous rights, gender equality, and environmental protections, was rejected by 62% of voters, reflecting a lack of consensus on its contents.
Legacy of the Social Outburst
The 2019–2022 protests left an indelible mark on Chilean society. They forced the nation to confront systemic inequality and opened debates about the role of neoliberalism in its economic model. While the constitutional process remains unresolved, the movement demonstrated the power of grassroots activism in reshaping political priorities.
The Estallido Social revealed both the resilience of Chilean democracy and the deep fractures within its social fabric, setting the stage for continued efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society.