SANTIAGO – Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera wanted to quell protests against his government with a guaranteed minimum wage, a hike in the state pension offering and the stabilization of electricity cost.
Pinera on Tuesday said he hoped to turn recent violent protests into an “opportunity” for Chile, to “make up for lost time, pick up the pace and take concrete and urgent steps” to resolve inequality that has sent tens of thousands into the streets to demand an economic overhaul.
The pledges came after Pinera was widely criticized for saying on Monday that Chile was “at war” with violent protesters while thousands of people held successive, peaceful demonstrations demanding an end to low wages and a high cost of living.
At least 15 people were killed in the protests which started over a hike in public transport costs, prompting Pinera to declare a state of emergency over a large swath of Chile.(Reuters)
