Violent protests erupt across Chile over government social programme cuts
Large demonstrations took place in Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción as Chileans protested against government cuts to social programmes. Carabineros police used water cannon and tear gas while protesters attacked some public buildings. President Boric said the cuts were necessary for 'fiscal sustainability'.
Al JazeeraLarge-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.
More from South America
Brazil rules out two suspected Ebola cases after laboratory tests return negative
Brazil's health ministry said two patients being monitored for possible Ebola infection have tested negative in laboratory analysis. The patients had been placed under observation in Belém and Rio de Janeiro. The ministry said its border-health unit will continue screening for travel history involving the DR Congo.
SK Hynix on track to become second Korean firm to hit $1 trillion market cap
Record demand for AI memory chips has pushed SK Hynix's market capitalisation close to the $1 trillion mark. If achieved, it would make the firm South Korea's second company to hit that level after Samsung Electronics.
Three dead after monster truck crashes into crowd
A monster truck crashed into a crowd at a show in Colombia, killing at least three people and injuring 38. The incident raises fresh concerns about public safety at large events.