Chile
The constitutional referendum and class struggle in Chile
By Mauricio Saavedra, 27 October 2020
Chile’s parliamentary “left” set itself the task of redirecting the explosive mass struggles into the safe parameters of parliamentary politics by promoting the referendum.
Buenos Aires health care workers stage protest
Workers Struggles: The Americas
20 October 2020
Health care sector worker in Buenos Aires, Argentina march to the city government offices to press demands for nurses to attain permanent professional status, emergency raises and additional staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chilean government mobilizes police and military on anniversary of social revolt
By Mauricio Saavedra, 19 October 2020
In response to planned demonstrations, Chile’s ultra-right government is placing tens of thousands of militarized Carabineros police, Special Forces and military troops on alert.
Former Chilean Health Minister charged with falsifying COVID-19 figures
By Mauricio Saavedra, 15 October 2020
The ultra-right government of billionaire President Piñera criminally mishandled the pandemic, inflicting suffering upon the most oppressed layers of the population.
Costa Rican workers protest IMF austerity talks; Two Haitian students die in jobs protests
Workers Struggles: The Americas
13 October 2020
Workers set up road blocks across Costa Rica over government talks with the IMF while at least two university students in Haiti have died during protests over lack of job openings for graduates.
Protests erupt in Chile after police throw 16-year-old off bridge
By Mauricio Saavedra, 6 October 2020
Chile’s murderous police violence proves that all of the tensions that gave rise to the social convulsions one year ago have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health care workers stage strikes, protests in Chile and Argentina
By Mauricio Saavedra, 3 October 2020
According to Amnesty International, of the 7,000 health professionals in the world who have died after contracting COVID-19, more than a third are from the Americas.
Human rights lawsuits used by Chilean “left” to mask preparations for authoritarian rule
By Mauricio Saavedra, 1 September 2020
Amid a growing threat of police-state dictatorship, it once again falls on the Chilean parliamentary “left” and its satellite organisations to conceal the class nature of the capitalist state.
The blinding of Gustavo Gatica and the return to unrestrained police state violence in Chile
By Mauricio Saavedra, 15 July 2020
The Chilean security forces enjoy a level of immunity not seen since the 17-year military dictatorship, when thousands were arrested, tortured, killed and disappeared.
Chile: COVID-19 outbreak in mining regions
By Mauricio Saavedra, 1 July 2020
Three mineworkers have died in the giant state-owned mining corporation Codelco, and some 2,528 are infected, according to the official figures of the Ministry of Mining.
Chile’s health minister resigns as disastrous policies lead to explosion in coronavirus infections and deaths
By Mauricio Saavedra, 19 June 2020
A media investigation revealed that the government was providing the World Health Organization a coronavirus body count that was almost double that given to the general public.
Protests spread in Chile as hospitals reach saturation point
By Mauricio Saavedra, 5 June 2020
The loss of life is the outcome of decades of pro-corporate policies that have led to a chronically underfunded health system, now on the verge of collapse and extreme poverty.
Chilean government violently represses demonstrations against hunger
By Mauricio Saavedra, 22 May 2020
The ultra-right government of Sebastian Piñera has responded to an outbreak of hunger protests across Chile with repression and mass arrests
Chile’s government deploys troops in the streets as coronavirus cases soar
By Mauricio Saavedra, 16 May 2020
Ultra-right President Sebastian Piñera has responded to the pandemic, and signs of growing popular resistance, by increasing repressive powers in Chile.
Teachers, parents and students defy order to reopen schools in Chile
By Mauricio Saavedra, 6 May 2020
The push to reopen schools is part of the back-to-work campaign waged by the ultra-right Piñera government in complete disregard of the costs in terms of sickness and death.
Coronavirus exposes Chilean two-tiered health system as deathtrap
By Mauricio Saavedra, 15 April 2020
It is the policy of sustained socio-economic shock therapy initiated under Pinochet that lay the groundwork for incalculable loss of life today
Chilean government seizes on COVID-19 pandemic to declare state of catastrophe
By Mauricio Saavedra, 25 March 2020
Far from fighting the coronavirus, the measure is aimed at militarizing Chile in the face of the mass demonstrations and strikes that have rocked the country.
Renewed protests in Chile; Michigan delivery drivers strike over healthcare
Workers Struggles: The Americas
10 March 2020
Thousands participated against austerity, inequality and repression in Chile while Teamster delivery drivers manned pickets in Monroe, Michigan
More killed as poll shows half of Chile has joined protests
By Andrea Lobo, 7 February 2020
The demonstrations last week, as well as the ongoing walkouts at high schools signal a still latent social explosion.
Chile paralyzed by third national strike amid mounting threats of dictatorship
By Andrea Lobo, 27 November 2019
The trade unions are using intermittent strikes to wear down the social upsurge, just as they have done in betraying every major class action since the Pinochet dictatorship.
Strike wave in Peru stokes ruling class fears of Chilean “contagion”
By Cesar Uco and Bill Van Auken, 25 November 2019
In the midst of its deepest political crisis, Peru’s economic indicators have dropped sharply and the class struggle is heating up.
Protests in Chile continue in opposition to promises of new Constitution
By Andrea Lobo, 19 November 2019
The proposal for a referendum is an effort by the political establishment to channel protests behind Chilean capitalism without making any real concessions on social questions.
Pabloites prepare new betrayal of the Chilean working class
By Andrea Lobo, 8 November 2019
The PTR, while rhetorically glorifying the spontaneity of the protests, has worked to channel them behind the Stalinist PCCH and the Broad Front.
Trump blames mass uprising in Chile on “foreign efforts”
By Bill Van Auken, 1 November 2019
The US president voiced support for the Chilean government’s attempt to “restore order” after it was forced to call off the APEC summit scheduled in Santiago.
Workers and students from Chile speak out at protest in Sydney, Australia
By our reporters, 29 October 2019
Reflecting the sentiments of many, Carlos, a musician, said the “battle between the rich and poor has always been a huge feature of Chilean struggle.”
Millions march for social equality across Chile
By Eric London, 26 October 2019
The floodtide of international working class struggle rose higher as half the adult population of Chile demonstrated against inequality and state violence.
Mass protests continue in defiance of military crackdown in Chile
By Andrea Lobo, 23 October 2019
The military-police crackdown on protests in Chile is only one of the most shocking expressions of the global turn toward dictatorship by governments throughout the world.
Dockworkers, miners initiate national strike as military kills 11 in Chile
By Eric London, 22 October 2019
Tens of thousands of workers declared strike action in response to a military crackdown resembling the military coup of 1973.
Chilean military deployed against protests for the first time since Pinochet
By Andrea Lobo, 21 October 2019
The imposition of dictatorial measures by the Chilean ruling class exposes the sham “transition to democracy” political and military set-up under the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship.
Trade union sells out Walmart strike in Chile
By Andrea Lobo, 19 July 2019
The SIL union unilaterally imposed an agreement which achieved none of workers’ demands.
Walmart workers and teachers on strike in Chile speak out against unions, police-state repression
By Andrea Lobo, 16 July 2019
Entering their second and seventh weeks of strike respectively, workers at Walmart and teachers are part of a resurgence of the class struggle across Latin America.
17,000 Walmart workers strike in Chile
By Andrea Lobo, 11 July 2019
The walkout is in response to mass firings and the expansion of a “multifunctional” work regime for the remaining workers.
Chilean unions scramble to quell mass strike movement
By Andrea Lobo, 2 July 2019
The trade union bureaucracy led by the Chilean Workers United Center and its pseudo-left apologists are working to divide and end the strike movement.
Striking Chilean copper miners defy police violence
By Rafael Azul, 21 June 2019
Last Tuesday, police attacked striking copper miners at the Chuquicamata mine in Chile.
Chinese authorities arrest editors involved with workers’ protests
By Navin Dewage and Peter Symonds, 18 April 2019
Amid a slowing economy and growing signs of working class unrest, Beijing is using its police state apparatus to clamp down on opposition.
Frente Amplio and Piñera government in Chile suppress 36-day dockworkers’ strike
By Andrea Lobo, 22 December 2018
The FA worked alongside its Morenoite satellites and the trade union to isolate the striking workers at a time of growing social unrest in Chile and across the world.
Chilean police attack pensioners’ protest in Santiago
By Cesar Uco, 31 October 2018
Well-armed Carabineros, using tear gas and water cannon, repressed the march organized by the NO + AFP movement last Wednesday in Santiago, Chile.
Chilean president praises armed forces amid new convictions of military assassins
By Cesar Uco, 27 September 2018
Piñera’s independence day statement came as cases of military assassins and torturers are still being decided by Chile’s courts.
Despite overwhelming strike vote
Trade union at Escondida copper mine in Chile seeks to shut down 18-month struggle
By Andrea Lobo, 15 August 2018
Against the efforts by the trade unions to isolate miners from a joint struggle across Chile and internationally, workers must form rank-and-file committees to take the fight in their own hands.
Asia-Pacific trade bloc reshaped, without the US
By Mike Head, 25 January 2018
The “TPP 11” announcement points to the increasing isolation of the US, and the escalating tensions between the rival capitalist powers.
Right-wing wins Chile election as “left” Broad Front joins the establishment
By Andrea Lobo, 10 January 2018
With only one-fourth of the electorate voting for Piñera, the results reflect overwhelming hostility to the entire establishment and herald a new stage in the political crisis.
Chile’s elections marked by voter abstention and growth of both the pseudo-left and fascistic right
By Andrea Lobo, 21 November 2017
Most Chileans refrained from voting, while the billionaire, far-right candidate Sebastián Piñera failed to get the majority he needed to avoid a second round.
Vice President Pence visits Latin America amid deepening Venezuelan crisis
By Andrea Lobo, 22 August 2017
Pence compared Trump’s “vision” to that of Theodore Roosevelt, making clear that Washington intends to reassert US hegemony in the region.
Eleven percent of Chile marches against for-profit pension scheme
By Armando Cruz and Cesar Uco, 11 April 2017
Two million people demonstrated against the for-profit Pension Fund Administrators, a pension scheme adopted under the rule of dictator General Augusto Pinochet.
Trade talks in Chile on continuing TPP without the US
By James Cogan, 18 March 2017
Despite concerns expressed about protectionism, the most obvious feature of the Chile summit was the manner in which various states pursued their own national trade agendas.
Tensions mount in Chilean copper miners strike
By Cesar Uco, 16 February 2017
The walkout at Escondida, the largest copper mine in the world, follows a similar strike at Las Bambas, neighboring Peru’s largest mine.
Chile ravaged by fires
By Alexandra del Piano, 6 February 2017
The fires, which have burned over half a million hectares, taken 11 lives and left over 3,000 people homeless, constitute one of the worst disasters in the country’s history.
Italian court sentences ex-Latin American dictators for Operation Condor
By Cesar Uco and Bill Van Auken, 1 February 2017
While convicting the ex-military rulers of Peru and Bolivia, the court absolved a confessed Uruguayan torturer residing in Italy, the one defendant it had the power to punish for his crimes.
Chile’s “General Never Again” arrested for Caravan of Death killings
By Bill Van Auken, 9 July 2016
The prosecution of the general tapped to head the army by former Socialist Party President Roberto Lagos exposes the character of Chile’s so-called democratic transition.
Mounting working class and student protests deepen Chile’s political crisis
By Cesar Uco, 13 June 2016
Once hailed as the South American capitalist miracle, Chile is facing a sharp economic decline.
Chilean military exercises fuel tensions with Bolivia and Peru
By Cesar Uco, 8 December 2015
The exercises took place under conditions in which both Peru and Bolivia have won favorable rulings from the International Court of Justice in territorial disputes with Chile.
Copper mine strike signals growing class struggle in Chile
By Cesar Uco, 21 September 2015
The 23-day strike saw one worker killed by police and caused around $20 million in losses for the state-owned mining company.
Massive earthquake hits Chile
By Cesar Uco, 18 September 2015
Facing charges of corruption, low approval ratings, and a rapid deceleration of the economy, the Bachelet government is acutely aware that a natural disaster can spark social unrest.
Chilean judge orders arrest of army officers who burned youths alive under Pinochet
By Rafael Azul, 24 July 2015
A Chilean court ordered the arrest of seven military officials complicit in the murder of two teenagers involved in an anti-government protest.
Chinese premier concludes four-country tour of South America
By Alexander Fangmann, 30 May 2015
The trip yielded a variety of trade and investment deals, along with infrastructure initiatives—all aimed at counteracting slowing domestic growth while expanding influence in the region.
Two killed during mass protest by Chilean students
By Bill Van Auken, 16 May 2015
The violence that followed the demonstration in Valparaiso is symptomatic of rising political tensions in Chile.
Court sentences two Chileans, indicts US in the 1973 murder of Charles Horman
By Bill Van Auken, 30 January 2015
The Chilean court’s ruling makes it clear that the US government was fully complicit in the executions of two young Americans.
Chilean court rules US played key role in Pinochet murder of Americans
By Barry Grey, 3 July 2014
Charles Horman was evidently singled out for elimination because he had detailed information about the direct role of the United States in the coup that overthrew Allende and installed General Pinochet as dictator.
Valparaiso mayor declares Chilean city bankrupt
By César Uco, 22 April 2014
The devastated city reports lacking funds to meet pension contributions or even pay its electricity bills.
Impact of fire in Valparaiso, Chile, fueled by poverty, inequality
By Rafael Azul, 17 April 2014
The conditions of life to which people have been reduced on the hills of Valparaiso were a key factor in producing a “perfect conflagration.”
Violent fire hits Valparaiso, Chile
By Rafael Azul, 14 April 2014
High winds and temperatures helped spread a forest fire to populated areas of Valparaiso.
Strong earthquake shakes Chile
By Rafael Azul, 4 April 2014
Tuesday's 8.2 tremor in Chile exposes a social divide.
World Court decision on Peru-Chile border fails to quell nationalist rivalries
By César Uco and Bill Van Auken, 4 February 2014
Last week’s ruling by the International Court of Justice settling a dispute over maritime boundaries between Chile and Peru has failed to quell nationalist tensions between the two countries.
Chilean port workers end month-long strike
By César Uco and Armando Cruz, 29 January 2014
A sell-out agreement between the government and the union bureaucracy sends workers back to work.
Bachelet wins Chilean election marked by massive abstention
By Bill Van Auken, 17 December 2013
Michelle Bachelet, candidate of the Socialist Party-led New Democracy coalition, won an overwhelming victory, but with 59 percent of the electorate failing to vote.
Chile’s former president set to win second-round election
By Rafael Azul, 26 November 2013
With the intensification of the global economic crisis, a second Bachelet administration will not be a replay of the first.
Australian politician justifies Pinochet’s coup in Chile
By Eduardo Ballesteros, 12 October 2013
The Liberal government whip in the New South Wales parliament defended the mass murderer who came to power in 1973.
Bachelet enlists Chilean CP in electoral coalition
By Armando Cruz and Cesar Uco, 28 September 2013
Bringing the Chilean Stalinists onto the ex-president’s ticket is aimed at quelling growing social unrest.
Forty years since the Chilean coup of September 11, 1973
By Bill Van Auken, 11 September 2013
The lie that US imperialism is endowed with some global mission to uphold democratic rights was forever refuted by the 1973 coup in Chile.
From the archives of Marxism: Lessons of the 1973 coup in Chile
11 September 2013
September 11 marks 40 years since the bloody coup led by General Augusto Pinochet that crushed the working class in Chile and ushered in 17 years of fascist-military dictatorship. The WSWS is publishing here the statement issued by the International Committee of the Fourth International within days of the coup.
Hundreds of thousands of students march in Chile for education rights
By Bill Van Auken, 13 April 2013
An estimated quarter of a million students joined in demonstrations across Chile to press their demand for free and decent education for all.
Chilean prosecutor charges ex-US officer in 1973 murder of American journalists
By Bill Van Auken, 5 December 2011
A judge in Chile has issued an indictment against a retired US Navy officer in connection with the arrest, torture and murder of two American journalists, Charles Horman and Frank Terrugi, in the wake of the CIA-backed military coup that toppled the government of President Salvador Allende in 1973.
President Piñera unleashes repression against Chile’s student movement
By Luis Arce, 11 October 2011
Using mounted police charges, rubber bullets, teargas and water cannon, the right-wing government of President Sebastián Piñera violently suppressed a student march last Thursday in Chile.
Chile’s student struggle and the legacy of 1973
By Luis Arce and Rafael Azul, 16 September 2011
The mass struggles of Chilean students and youth have been accompanied by the promotion of political illusions in the Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende.
Teenager killed by police in mass demonstrations in Chile
By Joseph Kishore, 27 August 2011
Hundreds of thousands of Chilean workers and students took part this week in mass demonstrations and a general strike against social inequality and the privatization of education.
Chilean students demand a national referendum on education rights
By Rafael Azul, 19 August 2011
Striking university and high school students in Chile are calling for a popular referendum to modify the Chilean Constitution and education laws to insure quality education that is free for all.
Latin stock markets hit hardest by US credit downgrade
By Luis Arce, 12 August 2011
Latin America’s financial markets suffered the most severe losses of any in the world in the “Black Monday” global sell-off that followed the downgrading of US debt.
Strike hits world’s largest copper mine in Chile
By Rafael Azul, 1 August 2011
On July 21, 2,375 copper miners at the Escondida copper mine in northern Chile walked out over management’s violation of contract provisions concerning bonuses and hours.
120,000 students, teachers march in Chile against attacks on public education
By Luis Arce, 8 July 2011
Chilean students took to the streets to demand the repeal of a Pinochet era education law and an end to the privatization and inequality that it has fostered.
Obama in Chile: No apology for 1973 coup
By Bill Van Auken, 23 March 2011
During his visit to Chile, Obama rejected an appeal for an apology for Washington’s role in fomenting a fascist-military coup that plunged the country into 17 years of dictatorship.
Chile prison inmates on hunger strike
By Rafael Azul, 15 December 2010
Prisoners in Northern Chile are on hunger strike to protest overcrowding.
81 prisoners die in Chile penitentiary fire
By Rafael Azul, 10 December 2010
The deaths of 81 prisoners in a fire at Chile’s San Miguel Prison on Wednesday was the direct result of repressive policies and overcrowded conditions.
Capitalism and the Chilean miners
By Cesar Uco and Bill Van Auken, 29 October 2010
The editorial pages of two of the most prominent newspapers of the US ruling establishment rushed to claim the rescue of the 33 miners in Chile as a triumph for free-market capitalism.
Chilean workers protest San Jose mine’s closure
By Rafael Azul, 22 October 2010
More than 300 Chilean workers jobless due to the closure of the San Jose mine, made famous by the recent rescue of 33 trapped miners, have threatened to occupy “Camp Hope” near the mine until they receive severance pay.
Chile mine rescue exposes precarious working conditions
By Rafael Azul, 18 October 2010
The collapse of the San Jose gold and copper mine that trapped 33 miners for 10 weeks below ground has focused attention on the safety of operations at Chilean mines.
Chilean miners rescued after ten-week ordeal
By Patrick Martin, 14 October 2010
Both the resilience of the miners, trapped underground for 69 days, and the energy and determination of their rescuers, have won well-deserved admiration.
Poor safety condemned by workers at San Jose mine
By Rafael Azul, 14 October 2010
Many of the workers rescued from the Chilean mine have long complained bitterly of lax safety.
Chile’s trapped miners: Victims of a ruthless drive for profit
By Cesar Uco, 3 September 2010
With 33 Chilean miners nearing one month trapped 2,300 feet underground, the human drama of what could prove a four-month ordeal before they are rescued has riveted attention worldwide.
New Chilean president to continue military occupation of earthquake ravaged regions
By Rafael Azul, 15 March 2010
Shortly after his March 11 inauguration, President Sebast’an Pi–era extended the state of emergency in central Chile and re-imposed the curfew in the Concepción region.
Earthquake exposes social chasm in Chile
By Rafael Azul, 8 March 2010
Anger is mounting in Chile over the inadequacy and indifference that have characterized the governmentÕs response to the earthquake of February 27.
Military occupation of earthquake-ravaged region expands in Chile
By Rafael Azul, 4 March 2010
The death toll in Chile mounted to more than 800, with thousands still classified as missing. Many parts of the earthquake zone have yet to receive any significant quantity of aid.
As death toll from quake, tsunamis mounts
Massive military mobilization in Chile
By Patrick Martin, 3 March 2010
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet doubled the number of troops mobilized in the central coastal region devastated by Saturday’s earthquake, as first reports from the hardest-hit areas suggested that the death toll could go much higher than the official total of nearly 800.
Government declares martial law in central Chile after earthquake
By Rafael Azul, 2 March 2010
As the death toll from the massive earthquake has reached 723 and rising, 10,000 soldiers have taken control of Maule and Bío Bío, the two regions most directly affected.
Wall Street Journal cites Chilean earthquake to praise Pinochet
By David Walsh, 2 March 2010
According to the Wall Street Journal, the impact of the Chilean earthquake is a vindication of the fascist dictatorship of General Pinochet.
Chile earthquake death toll tops 700
By Rafael Azul, 1 March 2010
The massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake has left hundreds and perhaps thousands dead. The Chilean government has responded by imposing military rule in parts of the country.
Chilean right returns to power for first time in 20 years
By Bill Van Auken, 20 January 2010
With the victory Sunday of billionaire businessman Sebastián Piñera in Chile’s run-off presidential election, right-wing parties identified with the Pinochet dictatorship are set to return to power for the first time in 20 years.
Chile: Right-wing presidential candidate wins first round
By Rafael Azul, 18 December 2009
Last Sunday’s presidential elections in Chile took place in the context of increasing social polarization, growing unemployment and a continuing legacy of the dictatorship that ruled the country for 17 years.
New documentary on Pinochet’s dictatorship: Some wounds should not heal
By Debra Watson, 25 September 2008
The Judge and the General tells the story of recent efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of horrific acts of political repression committed three decades ago under Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet.
The unquiet death of Charles Horman
Chilean court reenacts stadium execution of American journalist
By Bill Vann, 17 May 2002
Gunshots rang out once again in Santiago’s National Stadium May 14, nearly 30 years after the Chilean sports facility was turned into a center of torture and execution by a US-backed military junta that overthrew the elected government of President Salvador Allende.
Large anti-government swing in Chilean elections
By Mauricio Saavedra, 28 December 2001
For the first time since the return to civilian rule in 1990, the ruling “centre-left” coalition in Chile polled less than half the votes in the December 16 parliamentary elections, allowing former military dictator General Augusto Pinochet’s political heirs to claim that they will return to power after the next elections.
Follow the WSWS