President Piñera and the First Lady celebrate 30 years of democracy: “We will continue the search for strong and broad agreements to help us move forward”
The President of Chile highlighted the advances made over this period and underscored the importance of continuing to work together and relying on agreements to protect democracy. He also called for members of Congress to pass bills that will directly benefit Chilean citizens.
President Sebastián Piñera, accompanied by First Lady Cecilia Morel, celebrated 30 years of democracy on Wednesday during a ceremony at La Moneda Presidential Palace.
The President took the opportunity to praise the across-the-board efforts that had been taken to return democracy to the country, as well as every Administration and every citizen for fine-tuning, protecting and respecting democracy.
As part of the ceremony, 3 bells were rung to symbolize each one of the decades of democracy, two young adults and two senior citizens voted to demonstrate the value of the popular vote, La Moneda Presidential Palace staff were recognized for 30 years of service, and the Santiago Municipal Theater Children’s Choir sang the national anthem.
In his speech, the President of Chile highlighted the advances that have been made over the past 30 years, such as the building of strong institutions, growth in incomes and economic, social and human development, a reduction in poverty and inequality, and the rise of a significant and booming middle class.
“We will continue the search, through open and honest dialogue with all sectors of society, for strong and broad agreements to help us move forward at great speed and in a safe manner, to complete the mission that has not yet been fully achieved,” said the President at the ceremony.
He also noted that this important achievement in our country’s history was based on dialogue and agreements that had been supported by all, in which everyone had to cede some ground, prioritizing the greater interests of the country.
“We must learn from the lessons of the last 30 years and make sure to include those who are excluded. We must ensure that nobody, no one is ever left behind in our country,” he added.
The President also called for the country to move forward and approve key bills designed to meet citizen demands, such as the Citizen Safety and Public Order Agenda, which includes bills to modernize the Carabineros uniformed police, create a new National Intelligence System, protect critical infrastructure, improve tools for combating crimes by hooded perpetrators, and enact a Police Protection Statute.
“All of these initiatives are needed to address citizens’ demands for the State and the Government to respect and protect public order and citizen safety better,” said the President.
President Piñera pointed to the momentum behind a far-reaching Social Agenda that includes an increase in pensions under the Solidarity Pillar and for the middle class, a guaranteed minimum wage, sweeping reforms to healthcare, including Fonasa, Isapres and Cenabast, and price controls for public transportation, electricity, water and tolls.
He also spoke about bills to combat abuse and privileges, collusion and economic crimes, and strengthening consumer rights and workers’ rights.
Finally, he stated that kick-starting the economy, protecting jobs and SMEs, and promoting investment have been prioritized.
“Today, when we are again experiencing threats to public order, the Rule of Law, social peace, living together in harmony, advances in our economy and even democracy, there is an urgent need to once again practice and promote the same values and qualities that helped us to famously recover our democracy 30 years ago,” concluded the President of Chile.