Violent protests have broken out in Chile as President Michelle Bachelet presented a state of the nation address in Congress.
ADVERTISEMENTViolent protests have broken out in Chile as President Michelle Bachelet presented a state of the nation address in Congress.
A security guard has reportedly died of asphyxiation after masked demonstrators burned a building in Valparaiso.
In her speech, Bachelet said some proposed reforms would be put on hold due to the sluggish economy but pledged to plough on with changes to pensions and education.
“I am aware of the economic responsibilities of the state, and even more so in a time of reform…Long-term strategies require healthy public finances, because populism is the opposition of serious change.”
Elected for a second term in 2013 with a pledge to reduce income equality, Bachelet’s approval ratings have plummeted amid an economic downturn and a scandal involving her family.
Av. Apoquindo trancado entre Escuela Militar y Manquehue por #protestas#Santiago#Chilepic.twitter.com/3iveml9llB
— Gerardo Morales (@gamv1982) May 20, 2016