[ARCHIVO] President Bachelet: “If we don’t make the changes now with everyone working together, the tensions and obstacles will grow and our opportunity to progress will be frustrated”.

The President recognized that Chilean citizens are demanding greater economic growth, better wealth distribution and an end to malpractices in business and politics. “This is why we proposed a program of reforms; this is why we are implementing these reforms; and this is why we will see these reforms through to the end”, she emphasized.

Referring the government-led reforms, she explained that “we have implemented a series of initiatives which form the basis for future progress”. She highlighted that “the changes we have undertaken are necessary and sensible, because the winners are the men and women of Chile”.

“Today we are proud to announce that the Education Reform we promised is happening”, the President said, as she confirmed that the Higher Education Bill will be sent to Congress next month. She added that as of next year, students from the first five deciles studying at non-profit professional institutes and technical training centers that have been accredited for four years will also benefit.

With regards the economy she called for “an agreement for growth that is sustainable over time (…) because unless there is complementarity between the State and the private sector, any effort will be in vain”.
The President also pledged to reduce the structural deficit by 0.25% of GDP per annum.

In health, she highlighted investments in infrastructure and measures that have been introduced to reduce waiting times. She also announced a bill to create to solidarity mechanism for working parents which would allow them to care for a child under the age of 15 in the event of a life-threatening accident or illness.

Similarly, she confirmed that “we will fast track the bill to create a state pension fund which will be more competitive with lower administration costs and better coverage”. She added that the recommendations made by the Bravo Commission will provide a route map for pension reform over the next few years.

With regards to child protection, particularly of the most vulnerable, she promised to advance towards a new, more effective institutional structure which will see some responsibilities reassigned to other public services. “We will send Congress a proposal to overhaul of the Child Protection System and create a social reinsertion service for young people. Similarly, the National Children’s Service (SENAME) will become the National Child Protection Service”, she explained.

Referring to gender issues, she announced modifications to Chile’s domestic violence laws to increase sentences and broaden the definition of violence beyond relationships between partners and family members. “This is my promise as a woman and as President of a civilized nation.” She noted that “this will take time and will require a concerted, sustained effort on many fronts”.

The President also made reference to Bolivia’s maritime claim, confirming that in due course Chile will present a solid counter-memorial based on legal, historical and diplomatic arguments that defends the national interests.

She went on to explain that she has requested an evaluation of new transparency and accountability standards for the management of National Defense resources.

With regards the Constituent Process, she highlighted that as of yesterday 30,478 people have participated in individual consultations and 3,274 local meetings have been registered.

Finally, she called for “us to have faith in Chile and in ourselves. Let us continue advancing together and ensure nobody is left behind, because everyone has something to contribute to the building of our common home.”