Chile’s Haunted Future: Resistance Under a Rightward Shift
The recent Chilean election results,while representing a shift to the right with the rise of José Antonio Kast,are far from a simple victory for conservative forces.As a Chilean-American novelist and poet, I believe this moment is deeply informed by Chile’s painful past – a past that refuses to be silenced. The echoes of dictatorship and repression are not merely ancient footnotes; they are a living memory, shaping the present and, crucially, the future.
An African proverb speaks to this powerfully: “The ax forgets, but the tree remembers.” This resonates profoundly within Chile. The victims of past atrocities remember, the survivors remember, and a significant portion of the population remains acutely aware of the fragility of democratic gains. Kast’s presidency, I contend, will be fundamentally haunted by the very history it attempts to downplay.
A Forest of Resistance
Despite currently being a minority – securing 42% of the vote – the spirit of resistance in Chile remains strong.The sheer number of supporters isn’t the defining factor. what truly matters is the unwavering determination of the Chilean people to prevent a return to authoritarianism.
You might be wondering what this resistance looks like. It’s a grassroots movement, a collective memory, and a growing refusal to accept regression. Should Kast attempt to replicate the repressive tactics of the Pinochet era, he may encounter unexpected obstacles.
A Changed military
The Chilean military itself has undergone a significant transformation. It bears the weight of its past complicity in the dictatorship and is demonstrably reluctant to repeat those mistakes.
Consider the estallido, the massive social uprising of 2019. When then-President Piñera requested the armed forces to quell the protests – largely driven by demands for social justice and equality – the general in command refused,stating plainly: “We are not policemen. That is not what we do.” This was a watershed moment, signaling a crucial shift in the military’s role and mindset.
The Demand for Control
The core issue driving Chilean discontent isn’t simply opposition to wealth inequality, though that’s a significant factor. It’s a essential desire for control over your own life. People want agency, a voice in shaping their future, and a government that responds to their needs.
Kast’s proposed neoliberal model clashes directly with this aspiration. Polls consistently demonstrate public opposition to extreme wealth concentration and systemic injustice.This creates a fertile ground for continued resistance.
A Precarious Moment
We are facing a critical juncture. The challenge lies in navigating this moment without succumbing to fear or division. The memory of Chile’s past, the resilience of its people, and the evolving role of its institutions offer a glimmer of hope.
Ultimately, the future of Chile will be steadfast not by the outcome of a single election, but by the collective will of its citizens to defend their hard-won freedoms and build a more just and equitable society.
Further Reading: You can explore my perspective in more detail in my New York Times op-ed, “Chile’s Election Is More Than Just a Swerve to the Right.”