Constitutional referendum in Chile: the second end of the Pinochet era?

Chile is voting on the new constitution today. It should enable the change from the neoliberal economic model to the welfare state. Opponents make mobile, especially in the network – and are not without a chance.

At first glance, it looks like a folk festival: a big band including saxophones, trombones and trumpets creates a great atmosphere, alongside a group of women in folk costumes dancing flamenco. Flags of all colors are flying everywhere, with the words “Apruebo” emblazoned on them.

It is the supporters of the new constitution who are taking to the streets for the adoption (“apruebo” in Spanish) of the recently drafted text – thousands who have packed the final rally in central Santiago, Chile.

Looking to future generations

Rodrigo Venegas has taken his daughter on his shoulders, for whom he is also here this evening. “I want us all to have the same opportunities in life so that my daughter can study without having to go into massive debt,” he says.

To date, areas such as education, health and old-age provision have largely been organized privately in Chile. This is what the current constitution provides, which dates back to the days of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship – and has been amended several times since then.

For most Chileans, however, it remains the symbol of the time when a neoliberal social model was established that reduced the state’s social responsibility to a minimum. In contrast, 1.5 million Chileans took to the streets in 2019 and demanded more social rights.

The orientation: welfare state

The mass protests resulted in the establishment of a Constituent Assembly. She drafted and put to the vote a constitutional text with 388 articles that would fundamentally change Chile and turn it into a welfare state.

One aspect is the use of water, which is largely privately owned in Chile. This circumstance was a reason for Margarita Sangüesa to take part in the mass protests in 2019. “Chile is probably the only country in the world where water rights are in the hands of a few rich people,” criticizes the 35-year-old.

Now she’s back on the streets to fight for “Apruebo” because the new draft constitution enshrines a right to water.

Lots of spongy articles

However, many other articles in the draft constitution are controversial. A “right to work”, a “right to dignified housing” and a “right to sport” are laid down, rather vaguely. How this should look in practice is not defined in more detail.

In addition, many Chileans fear economic disadvantages due to the strong social character of the new constitution. To date, Chile has had remarkable economic growth for more than three decades. However, not everyone in the country has benefited equally from this.

The right smells socialism

As a result, supporters of the new constitution are more left-of-centre, while Chile’s conservatives and right-wingers are campaigning for votes against the new constitution, which they describe as “socialist”.

They are also bothered by the formulation of a “plurinational state”. This would mean far-reaching autonomy rights for Chile’s indigenous people – as in neighboring Bolivia. Critics call it a division in society.

Because environmental protection is firmly anchored in the draft constitution, entrepreneurs fear that their freedom will be curtailed, for example in mining or cellulose production. In any case, the economic mood is already clouded over because there have been significant price increases for food and transport since the corona pandemic, while wages are stagnating.

campaign online

Opponents of the new constitution are in the minority on the streets. Only a few hundred people come to their final rally. On the other hand, they have launched a broad campaign online, which obviously also includes fake news.

It is claimed that the new constitution would allow abortion until shortly before birth or that the Chilean flag would be banned.

The Chilean response to fake news is simple: the government is promoting the new constitution. With success: the 178-page text became a bestseller. All over the country people are queuing to get hold of a copy in time.

It is unclear how the referendum will end. Current polls predict a narrow rejection. In the end it will probably depend on how the undecided 10 to 15 percent decide.

The tension is palpable

At the final rally of the supporters of the new constitution, many can also see a slight tension. Because they know: The result will probably be close. At the same time, they see the vote as a historic opportunity to make Chile a more just country and shake off the legacy of dictatorship.