Peter and the Wolf

El Líbero, October 22, 2022

Let us hope our authorities do not end up like in the tale, with no one believing in their commitment to security, which they have repeated so often this week. What the President experienced at ENAPE is just a reflection of that lack of credibility.

Peter lost his sheep to the wolf because after so many unfulfilled warnings, no one believed this time the attack was real. Let us hope our authorities do not end up the same way, and that no one believes in their commitment to security, which they have repeated so often this week. In any case, they are not far from it. What the President experienced at ENAPE is just a reflection of that lack of credibility. The micro, small, and medium enterprises made their voices heard, and by singing the anthem of Carabineros de Chile, they demonstrated that they do not trust the promises regarding public security. 

Crime is the top concern for Chileans, who report a high perception of insecurity, fueled by the increase in homicides and the arrival of criminal groups that, through extortion, affect the development of commerce. Acknowledging this is the first step; now, actions must be consistent with that acknowledgment. Undoubtedly, the message that comes from the government is fundamental. Therefore, the fact that Undersecretary Monsalve referred to criminals and not protesters on the night of October 18 has special relevance.

The problem is that people may believe the Undersecretary, but they do not trust the President. And how can he do that if upon taking office he sought to prioritize the urgency of the bill on amnesty for the so-called prisoners of the uprising? A pardon for those who were arrested for burning the metro, looting stores, disrupting traffic, and significantly disturbing public order. It has now been announced that the President will travel to La Araucanía. Another area where violence marks the daily lives of Chileans. A much-anticipated visit that generates great expectations. Hopefully, his announcements will meet the expectations of the citizens living there. Otherwise, Peter will continue to feed the wolf. 

A wolf that seems unafraid of institutional reactions, which does not hesitate to show its weapon to commit its misdeeds, while citizens continue to disbelieve the promises. In the tale, Peter lost his sheep; in Chile, we could lose much more than that. 

The problems we face regarding public security are far more serious than those Peter faced, and the help that others can provide is not enough to scare away the wolf. 

Between January and September of this year, homicides increased by 55%; the PDI had already reported that 60% of them were committed with firearms, and of those, 70% correspond to settling scores. These figures are concerning, and a statement of support is not enough. 

Respect is what the President asked for at ENAPE, but what about what Chileans are asking for to be able to progress? Without security, there is no progress, and for now, there is no belief that this security will arrive. What will Peter do with the wolf? Will they believe him this time? How will he protect his sheep? No one but Peter can answer this; I just hope he does so soon, with strength and clarity. The issue of public security is not ideological, it has no shades of gray; it only requires will and a clear narrative. Pilar Lizana 

Researcher, AthenaLab
Source:

El Líbero.