In a surprise turn of events, Chile’s right-wing parties have emerged as the driving force behind the country’s upcoming constitutional reform process. This move has caught many political analysts and citizens off guard, given the long-standing association of the right with the Pinochet dictatorship and their opposition to previous attempts at constitutional reform.
The process of drafting a new constitution was sparked by widespread social unrest in 2019, which highlighted the deep-seated social and economic inequalities that still exist in Chilean society. The current constitution, which was written during the Pinochet era, is seen by many as an impediment to progress and as a symbol of the country’s authoritarian past.
The right-wing’s decision to take a leading role in the constitutional reform process has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a positive step towards greater consensus and compromise, while others view it as an attempt by the right to co-opt the process and maintain their grip on power.
One of the key figures behind this move is former President Sebastián Piñera, who has been vocal in his support for constitutional reform. Piñera, who was president during the 2019 unrest, has acknowledged the need for a new social contract and has called for a broad-based dialogue to shape the new constitution.
However, critics point out that Piñera’s government has been responsible for widespread human rights abuses and has failed to address the underlying issues of inequality that led to the unrest in the first place. They argue that the right-wing’s sudden interest in constitutional reform is an attempt to deflect attention from their own failures and to maintain their hold on power.
Regardless of the motives behind this move, the fact remains that Chile is embarking on a historic process of constitutional reform. It is essential that this process be transparent, participatory, and inclusive, and that it leads to a new social contract that addresses the needs and aspirations of all Chileans, regardless of their political affiliation.
As a journalist, my duty is to report on this process and to hold those in power accountable. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and to provide accurate and impartial coverage of this important moment in Chilean history.
