President Piñera’s May 21st Speech: Key Announcements
President Piñera’s Speech: May 21st
The President reiterated his commitment to the middle class, stating that the government will improve unemployment insurance for workers who lose their jobs and ensure they do not jeopardize their homes.
Regionalization and Municipal Funding
In terms of regionalization, the President announced an increase in the Municipal Common Fund.
Healthcare Initiatives
He ensured that a bill would be sent to eliminate or reduce the 7% contribution that retirees pay for healthcare. He also promised to increase the basic pension solidarity to 150,000-200,000 pesos.
Family Support and Child Protection
Regarding family values, Piñera announced a “golden wedding” bonus to support and promote families. He also addressed the National Service for Protection of Children and Adolescents, ensuring that no child is left out of school.
Electoral Reforms
Piñera stated that he would give a definitive boost to automatic enrollment and voluntary voting. Chileans who maintain a link with Chile will be able to vote abroad. Additionally, he will strengthen regional and community democracy and implement a primary system financed by the state to help build democracy.
Fighting Poverty
Regarding poverty, the President announced an ethical family income estimated at 250,000 pesos per month. To achieve this, families must commit to accessing certain parameters. He also referred to the creation of the Ministry of Social Development.
Healthcare Infrastructure
The President reiterated his commitment to build 10 new hospitals.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
In health, the President stated that he had inherited “the largest hospital debt in history.” He announced the following measures:
- End waiting lists for AUGE surgeries. If not possible, provide care in the private sector.
- End arbitrary discrimination.
- Provide the Health Superintendence with the same rotations in health, whether public or private sector.
- Ensure drug quality for Chileans.
Education Reform
Piñera described the current situation as a “scandalous social inequality” due to the lack of quality education for young people. He ensured that extended SIMCE information would be delivered to all parents, including tests in English, Physical Education, Science, and Technology.
Public Registry of Pedophiles
Sebastián Piñera announced the creation of a public registry of pedophiles and sexual offenders.
Crime Prevention and Victim Support
The Dial Plan will be expanded to various cities, creating a unified mechanism of information and emphasizing the protection of victims.
Combating Crime and Drug Trafficking
Piñera announced two new programs for combating crime and drug trafficking:
- “Healthy Living” to prevent drug use.
- “New Life” to rehabilitate individuals after their first contact with drugs.
The President also announced “Barrio in Peace” to intervene in 100 critical neighborhoods, and paid and voluntary work for prisoners to “close spaces for crimes.”
Strategic Alliance Against Crime
The President stated that he had formed a strategic alliance to win the battle against crime. “We are putting a new leadership, not just the government, police and Interior Ministry, but this president,” he said.
National Employment Initiative
The President announced the launch of a national employment initiative to create a “culture of entrepreneurship,” which was lost “in these 10 years.”
Criticism of Previous Governments
Piñera sharply criticized the governments of the Concertación, stating that “since 1998 Chile has stagnated and the country has spent twelve years of lean.”
Labor Agenda
In labor, the President asserted that he would push an agenda to promote employment and equality for women, emphasizing the need for a six-month postnatal leave.
Legislative Achievements
The President stated that his government had submitted 19 bills, “more than previous governments had submitted.”
Rebuilding Chile
“Rebuilding Chile is a task that would take not days or weeks but years.” Sebastián Piñera also noted that 50,000 temporary shelters had been built and delivered. “No Chilean will spend the winter in the open,” he said.
Emergency Response
The President stated that the emergency has not ended, but some proposed goals have been fulfilled, such as in education.
Progress and Future Goals
“It is true that Chile has made progress and we are an example for Latin America, but it is true that we are just halfway in our journey to development.” The President emphasized that more must be done to transform this tragedy into an opportunity.