Déjà vu

El Líbero, May 14, 2022

Security remains the greatest challenge for the government. If not addressed satisfactorily, it could become a significant stumbling block that undermines its credibility and legitimacy.

“The greatest challenge for the next President of the Republic will be to restore stability and return the longed-for security that many are asking for.” I wrote this on November 26 of last year in this very medium, right after the first round of the presidential election. Security was dominating the agenda, and then-candidate Boric spoke about solving the issues arising from violence. Today, we count a journalist who lost her life in disturbances in the Meiggs neighborhood, the attack on a substation inTirúa and the call made by Héctor Llaitul to organize armed Mapuche resistance in response to the proposed protection of routes. More than four months later, I still maintain the same position. Security remains the greatest challenge for the government, which, if not addressed satisfactorily, could become a significant stumbling block that undermines its credibility and legitimacy. 

Expressing outrage over the events that occurred in the Meiggs neighborhood, which resulted in the death of journalist 

Francisca Sandoval is not enough. For months, there has been talk of the out-of-control situation with street vendors in that area. They confront students and masked individuals and are unafraid to shoot at them. In the south, attacks are on the rise, the most recent being against a substation in Tirúa. There, more than 50 people arrived to “rescue” two individuals detained for transporting 12-gauge ammunition. 

The firepower of radicalized groups is well known; we have all seen images in the media or on social networks of them carrying rifles or have been informed of arms seizures. In response, the government spokesperson states that their “path is dialogue” and that the measures they are adopting “in relation to Araucanía, the Wallmapu territory,” are related to security and free movement. 

The Wallmapu territory! How can they advance in security solutions if they continue to refer to Wallmapu!? Words have intrinsic value and are key in messaging; speaking of Wallmapu validates a concept used by radical groups that claim to be in conflict with the State. 

So, we return to November of last year: the greatest challenge remains security, and if the government wants to return to the approval levels its leader had before taking office, it must be the priority issue. But now seriously.

Dialogue is always good, but it should occur when the context allows it. Currently, there is no clarity that the conditions are in place, especially with Llaitul’s threats. So, Mr. President, do not hesitate to react strongly. We know that today’s problems require long-term solutions, but in a short period, direct actions can be developed that allow progress in building a context of peace, which only the Executive can undertake. There should be no delay, as crime moves quickly, and perhaps, without realizing it, we could reach a critical moment that today’s responses could prevent. 

Pilar Lizana 

Researcher at AthenaLab 
Source:

El Líbero.