The Importance of Institutions in 2021

El Mostrador, Friday, March 12, 2021

Why is it important to evaluate the work of national institutions? It is important because they constitute the foundation of the institutional framework upon which much of the country’s functioning depends. If they are performing well or poorly, it is easy to conclude or predict what is happening or may happen in Chile. In this sense, and understanding the role they play, institutions gain greater importance when circumstances are tumultuous, as they are the ones that prevent a country from collapsing and, in turn, keep it standing in situations like those we have experienced over the past 18 months, during which they have also gained more visibility. On the other hand, there are those who, aware of their importance, seek to neutralize or eliminate them in order to carry out their plans for power through undemocratic means.

In addition to the ongoing evaluation of governments and the recent focus on assessing aspects and actions related to COVID-19, as has been customary for several years, Cadem conducts a monthly evaluation of national institutions. 

Over time, the list has grown, and the latest versions include Firefighters, Municipalities, Servel, and the Medical College. That said, Cadem is the only organization that evaluates institutions on a monthly basis and in a disaggregated manner, allowing for a more nuanced and accurate analysis, as well as tracking over time.

Why is it important to evaluate the work of national institutions? It is important because they constitute the foundation of the institutional framework upon which much of the country’s functioning depends. If they are performing well or poorly, it is easy to conclude or predict what is happening or may happen in Chile.

In this sense, and understanding the role they play, institutions gain greater importance when circumstances are tumultuous, as they are the ones that prevent a country from collapsing and, in turn, keep it standing in situations like those we have experienced over the past 18 months, during which they have also gained more visibility. On the other hand, there are those who, aware of their importance, seek to neutralize or eliminate them in order to carry out their plans for power through undemocratic means.

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The question posed in the survey is: Do you approve or disapprove of the work being done by…? It is important to examine the results obtained from Cadem on a monthly basis and seek corresponding explanations, whether the responses are negative or positive. One must understand how public perception shifts. This should be done preventively, because when problems arise, it is too late to correct them, and one must play the game with the team they have, not the one they would like to have. This is something the Government has learned due to the challenges it has had to face since October 2019, where the best example is the idea of reforming or restructuring Carabineros, which is unlikely to yield visible results for a couple of years. We will have to work with what we have and hope that the institutions meet the required standards.

The March 2021 version includes Firefighters, who immediately appear with the highest score, in line with a well-known positive public perception. Following them is the Medical College, which, prior to the emergence of Firefighters, was comfortably leading the survey. A bit further back are the PDI, the Civil Registry, the Navy, the Air Force, Municipalities, and the Army. In the middle are Carabineros and the Public Ministry, while the courts, Congress, and political parties—whether left, center-left, or right—bring up the rear, which demystifies, at least in this section, the notion that Cadem is biased toward the right and serves the Government of Chile Vamos.

The most obvious conclusion drawn from observing the results of March 8 is that the institutional framework of 2021 will heavily depend on those occupying the top positions, particularly the capabilities of the Armed Forces and the PDI, as well as organizations such as Municipalities, Colmed, and Firefighters. The Medical College plays an important role due to the pandemic, but this is a temporary situation based on current circumstances. Let us see if, after this pandemic, Cadem maintains the institution led by Ikzia Siches in the category of permanent national institution, which would be a tribute to the work being done and the public respect it has earned.

Another point that arises is the need to quickly uplift and empower Carabineros, as they play a fundamental role in addressing pressing issues such as crime in Santiago, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration at the northern border, as well as the lack of order in the Southern Macrozone. In this sense, it is more logical and appropriate to act swiftly on aspects of Carabineros that can be corrected in the short term than to consider assigning public security roles to the Armed Forces, which have a different orientation and specialization.

It should be a matter of concern that both the Public Ministry and the Courts of Justice, which make up the Judiciary, as well as political parties and Congress, are not well evaluated, as not all problems in Chile can be resolved by the Armed Forces, Firefighters, PDI, Municipalities, and the Medical College, as has been the practice in recent times. We need a Judiciary and a Legislative Power that are up to the circumstances and what the Chileans demand, helping to resolve problems and ensuring that 2021 does not become a year in which things spiral out of control.

Finally, it is important that those leading the various national institutions understand the role of the organizations they lead and ensure that they perform their service to Chile well, serve as examples of civic virtues, be mindful of the language they use, and help ensure that our common home remains so for everyone.

Richard Kouyoumdjian
Vice President of AthenaLab