Chile

Protests in Chile

On Tuesday and Wednesday, University students, high school students, labor unions and teachers went to the streets, marching in protest. This protest is meant to show support for the movement for education reform. On Tuesday, some protesters set fire to a city bus, along with creating burning barricades, which stopped traffic. Police used water cannons and tear gas on the protesters and more than sixty were arrested. The leaders of the protests say that they disapprove of the destruction caused by some protesters, claiming that it is not associated with their movement.

The Chilean protests began in May of this year, and the fact that they continue is not a surprise. Talks between students and government for education reform have broken down for the second time since the push for reform began, five months ago. These protests make for the fortieth mass street protest since the protests began. While some may question that perhaps the reason little progress is being made is because only radicals want reform, as it may be seen with the violent outbreaks during the protests, this is not true; The education is actually largely supported by the public. Yet even with overwhelming support, little progress is being made. Frustration has clearly become evident. While the organizations involved in the protests disown those who caused the violence, it should have been expected, considering Chilean government appears to be doing little to try to cooperate with the demands of their nation and more importantly, the demands of by this point very frustrated young adults, who are not afraid to make sure their opinions are heard clearly, even if it is through violence.

Identity

http://www.santiagotimes.cl/chile/education/22700-what-to-expect-from-chiles-two-day-protest-tuesday-and-wednesday

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15358921

October 20, 2011 at 9:05 pm