Upon completing his tour of Central America and the United States, President Piñera visited the marketplace in Santiago’s Barrio Franklin to sign a bill to punish several types of behaviors that impact daily life.
Accompanied by Minister of the Interior Andrés Chadwick, Minister Secretary General of the Presidency Gonzalo Blumel and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Cristián Mockenberg, the President approved the initiative to create criminal provisions and provide for stricter penalties for all situations impacting the common good, family life and criminal activity in public spaces.
“We are sending a strong, clear message of zero tolerance for anti-social conducts in order to ensure that they do not go unpunished, which could facilitate or encourage further criminal activity,” the President added.
The bill provides for punishments for individuals who damage schools, community infrastructure or public transport infrastructure. Unauthorized graffiti on public and private real estate and property will also be subject to prosecution. Repeat offenders will be subject to additional penalties, and community service may be used in place of a fine.
The President said, “The principle of respect has been weakened in our country.” He continued, “As President of all Chileans, I believe that the bill that we are going to sign today addresses a very heart-felt, deep concern shared by all of my fellow citizens.”
In addition to the aforementioned measures, the bill seeks to charge those who collect refuse without authorization given that it places the health of third parties at risk and impedes the free flow of traffic. Anyone found guilty of consuming alcohol in public will be fined one monthly tax unit, and the illegal sale of alcohol will be subject to imprisonment and fines.
“This new law will require the support of the entire community. I am asking all of you to help us bring about this cultural change, which will improve our quality of life, allow for greater respect and contribute to improving our democracy and expanding freedom so that all Chileans can develop their talents and pursue their dreams,” Piñera said.