State of Emergency in Chile over riots due to increase in public transit fares

[Stevicus]

Chile Declares State of Emergency Amid Looting and Arson in Capital

SANTIAGO, Chile — President Sebastián Piñera of Chile declared a state of emergency in the capital after protests against public transportation fare hikes devolved into looting and arson targeting subway stations, banks and buses on Friday night.

The demonstrations began earlier this week as a campaign by high school students, who jumped subway turnstiles to protest the second fare increase this year. But on Friday night, demonstrators set fire to a dozen subway stations, several banks, buses and the headquarters of the country’s largest electricity provider, Enel. Looters stormed into supermarkets, stores and pharmacies.

One student was reported to have been killed by the police and another wounded by rubber bullets during the demonstrations, which rattled one of Latin America’s most prosperous and orderly capitals.

The state of emergency declared by Mr. Piñera imposes restrictions on citizens’ right to move about and assemble freely, and it gives the army authority over internal security. Speaking from the presidential palace around midnight, he said the measure was needed to restore order after the chaos caused by protesters, whom he called “delinquents.”

It's interesting when one considers just how fragile political stability can be, when something as simple as a transit fare increase can trigger massive rioting like this.

Of course, they couldn't think of other ways of raising revenue, other than putting it on the backs of those who can least afford it.

On a side note, I noticed there's no sub-forum for "South American Politics" in this section.

 

[leov]

Chile Declares State of Emergency Amid Looting and Arson in Capital



It's interesting when one considers just how fragile political stability can be, when something as simple as a transit fare increase can trigger massive rioting like this.

Of course, they couldn't think of other ways of raising revenue, other than putting it on the backs of those who can least afford it.

On a side note, I noticed there's no sub-forum for "South American Politics" in this section.

i know that some people in our town were not able to afford gas to drive to work when oil hit $150 a barrel a few years ago...

 

[Estro Felino]

That is so unfortunate...
Chilean people, stay strong

 

[Notanumber]

Chile Declares State of Emergency Amid Looting and Arson in Capital



It's interesting when one considers just how fragile political stability can be, when something as simple as a transit fare increase can trigger massive rioting like this.

Of course, they couldn't think of other ways of raising revenue, other than putting it on the backs of those who can least afford it.

On a side note, I noticed there's no sub-forum for "South American Politics" in this section.

What with this and the Yellow Vests in France no wonder the climate changer’s are indoctrinating our young people to accept the associated austerity.

 

[Cooky]

on Friday night, demonstrators set fire to a dozen subway stations, several banks, buses and the headquarters of the country’s largest electricity provider, Enel. Looters stormed into supermarkets, stores and pharmacies.

I would never support people who act like this. But the bigger question is: how much of a rate increase was it..? Was it like 10 cents..?

 

[Guitar's Cry]

What with this and the Yellow Vests in France no wonder the climate changer’s are indoctrinating our young people to accept the associated austerity.

Huh? Seems more like the wealthy aren't willing to foot their share of the bill so the rest of us are left with tainted resources and paying for their extravagance.

 

[Cooky]

OH - MY - GOD

"The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, which increased from 800 to 830 peso ($1.13 to $1.17) for peak-hour travel"
Angry Chileans clash with police for second day

Four... *******... cents... wow...

All that destruction over 4 cents.

 

[Cooky]

You know, I think it was the socialist indoctrination of the Chilean students, who started this whole mess.

...Is it worth it?

 

[Twilight Hue]

Chile Declares State of Emergency Amid Looting and Arson in Capital



It's interesting when one considers just how fragile political stability can be, when something as simple as a transit fare increase can trigger massive rioting like this.

Of course, they couldn't think of other ways of raising revenue, other than putting it on the backs of those who can least afford it.

On a side note, I noticed there's no sub-forum for "South American Politics" in this section.

I tend to think there's a lot more going on than Hudson Transit Paris but I think that's what they call , "The straw that broke the camel's back".

 

[columbus]

OH - MY - GOD

"The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, which increased from 800 to 830 peso ($1.13 to $1.17) for peak-hour travel"
Angry Chileans clash with police for second day

Four... *******... cents... wow...

All that destruction over 4 cents.

I remember when a great deal of trouble erupted because one black woman didn't want to get up and move to the back of the bus.

Really, why couldn't she just move? Was it that big of a deal?
Tom

 

[Cooky]

I remember when a great deal of trouble erupted because one black woman didn't want to get up and move to the back of the bus.

Really, why couldn't she just move? Was it that big of a deal?
Tom

Yeah, that was a big deal.

But seriously, bus prices went up 4 cents for everyone... It's called inflation, and that's natural.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Yeah, that was a big deal.

But seriously, bus prices went up 4 cents for everyone... It's called inflation, and that's natural.

Chile has the highest post-tax economic equality in the OECD. These riots started by students simply refusing to pay the increased fare but then escalated into disruptive behaviour.
The government reacted pretty strongly...or harshly...and rather than back down, the dissedents began rioting over more general issues and inequality.

I don't know enough to pick a side on this. But the 4c rise was the spark, not the kindling.