Violent protests erupt across Chile over government social programme cuts

Large-scale protests took place in Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción as Chileans rallied against the government's latest budget revision cutting social programmes. Al Jazeera video footage shows crowds halting traffic at Plaza Italia and Carabineros police using water cannon and tear gas.

Acting interior minister Carolina Tohá said in a statement that 'violence will not be tolerated, but dialogue will remain open'. University of Chile political scientist Claudia Heiss told the BBC that 'the balancing act for President Boric's base has become very difficult'. Goldman Sachs Latin America economist Alberto Ramos commented that the demonstrations could create 'short-term volatility pressure on the Chilean peso'.

Those demonstrating included student federations, the public-sector union ANEF and representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Council. Leader Camila Vallejo backed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights representative Maria Goettsche's request for an observation visit. This report does not constitute investment advice.