CHILE: A COUNTRY IN TURMOIL

Documentary by Karen Naundorf, ARTE Reportage, 24 min, 2019

Chile is experiencing an unprecedented crisis since its return to democracy in 1980: at least 23 dead, thousands injured, and countless damages. Since October 18, Chileans have been taking to the streets to protest against inequality. The government seems helpless in the face of the riots.

From the outset of the crisis, a state of emergency was declared and a curfew imposed. President Pinera promised a review of the constitution, certain provisions of which, inherited from the Pinochet dictatorship, are seen as the root cause of the social inequalities that sparked the uprising. But nothing has helped: angry Chileans are still on the streets protesting against the high cost of living, which often forces them into heavy debt in order to access education and healthcare. Today, only 12% of the population still supports President Piñera.