We have not yet discussed what is important

El Líbero, September 10, 2022

Without a real fight against crime, we will not achieve what the citizens are asking for: progress.

Yesterday, Minister Camila Vallejo urged the parties to fulfill their “promises” to advance toward a new constitution, but while that was happening, two Transantiago buses were set on fire in Alameda. We are closing a week marked by a significant victory for the Rejection option, a cabinet reshuffle that was not without controversy, and all political forces coming together to decide how to respond to the plebiscite results. But no one is talking about the obvious, about what Chileans really seek, about the need for security and progress. 

In matters of security, we are failing without a chance for a retake. In the north, crime has alarmingly increased its levels of violence; in the south, between timber mafias and radical organizations, many cannot work in peace; and in the center, student protests in the Metropolitan region have raised alarms.

A new Minister of the Interior took office last Tuesday. The challenge is great. On one hand, she must be the main political articulator of the government, but on the other, she bears the responsibility for internal security. Both tasks are equally important, but for many Chileans, one is more relevant than the other. 

In security, the State has been unable to respond to the challenges, whether due to lack of capabilities, resources, legislation, etc. However, there is something we are not discussing that is key for achieving successful results, should we have all of the above, and that is POLITICAL WILL. But genuine political will, where everyone agrees to truly confront crime, both organized and disorganized. Neither is more important than the other, though one may be more complex, but neither can advance. Without a real fight against crime, we will not achieve what the citizens are asking for: progress. 

I ask our authorities to finally materialize what they often repeat: “listen to the people.” The people who expressed themselves on Sunday and who only want peace and development. The people who, while Minister Vallejo called on the parties to fulfill their promises, saw public transport being burned, not knowing how they would return home after the workday. The people who, after hearing the spokesperson, realize that they are once again not being heard. 

It is the State that must provide security, not the governments. Therefore, I ask Minister Vallejo to let us talk about what is important, about what affects our daily coexistence, and I ask the newly appointed Minister Tohá the same. Without security, we will not advance in all other areas of interest. For a moment, let us stop seeking political points and place the interests of Chile at the center. Our flag has flown like never before this week; what better symbol of unity than that? Let ideology not divide us, and this time let the government truly “listen to the people.” 

Pilar Lizana
Researcher at AthenaLab

Source: El Líbero