President Piñera’s Speech: Key Policy Announcements
On May 21st, President Piñera delivered a speech outlining key policy initiatives and commitments.
Middle Class and Employment
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 Pensions
An increase in the Municipal Common Fund was announced. Furthermore, a bill will be sent to eliminate or reduce the 7% health contribution paid by retirees. The basic pension solidarity will also be increased to between 150,000 and 200,000 pesos.
Family and Children
A “golden wedding” bonus will be awarded to promote and support families. The National Service for Protection of Children and Adolescents will be strengthened to ensure no child is left out of school.
Electoral Reform
President Piñera pledged to give a definitive boost to automatic enrollment and voluntary voting. Chileans living abroad who maintain a link with Chile will be able to vote. Regional and community democracy will be strengthened, and a primary system financed by the state will be implemented to help build democracy.
Fighting Poverty
An ethical family income, estimated at 250,000 pesos a month, will be established. Families must commit to accessing certain parameters to qualify. The creation of the Ministry of Social Development was also mentioned.
Healthcare Initiatives
The commitment to build 10 new hospitals was reiterated.
Addressing what he called “the largest hospital debt in history,” the President announced measures to end waiting lists for AUGE surgeries. If necessary, care will be provided in the private sector. Arbitrary discrimination will be eliminated, and the Health Superintendence will ensure equal rotations in both public and private healthcare sectors. The quality of drugs will also be ensured for all Chileans.
Education Reform
Piñera described the current situation as a “scandalous social inequality” due to the lack of quality education for young people. Information from the Simce test will be extended to all parents, including tests in English, Physical Education, Science, and Technology.
Public Safety
A public register of pedophiles and sexual offenders will be created.
The Dial Plan will be expanded to various cities, creating a unified information mechanism and emphasizing the protection of victims.
Combating Crime and Drug Trafficking
Two new programs were announced: “Healthy Living” to prevent drug use and “New Life” to rehabilitate those who have had initial contact with drugs. The “Barrio in Peace” program will intervene in 100 critical neighborhoods, and prisoners will be offered paid and voluntary work to “close spaces for crimes.”
A strategic alliance has been formed to combat crime, led by the government, police, the Interior Ministry, and the President.
Economic Development
A national employment program will be launched to create a “culture of entrepreneurship.”
Piñera criticized the previous Concertación governments, stating that “since 1998, Chile has stagnated and the country has spent twelve years of lean times.”
An agenda to promote employment and equality for women will be pursued, with emphasis on the need for a six-month postnatal leave.
The government has submitted 19 bills, “more than previous governments had submitted.”
Rebuilding Chile
“Rebuilding Chile is a task that will take years, not just days or weeks.” 50,000 temporary shelters have been built and delivered, ensuring that “no Chilean will spend the winter in the open.”
While the emergency has not ended, some proposed goals have been fulfilled, such as in education.
“It is true that Chile has made progress and we are an example for Latin America, but it is also true that we are just halfway in our journey to development.” The President emphasized the need to transform the recent tragedy into an opportunity.