Government releases details of historic Inclusive Recovery Plan
The plan consists of 21 measures focused on supporting the millions of Chileans affected by the economic crisis. Among them are measures to freeze public transportation fares throughout the country, keep the price of kerosene and gasoline in check, maintain gas at a fair price, and extend the Labor Emergency Family Income Subsidy.
Undoubtedly, the last few years have not been easy for millions of Chileans, who have had to withstand a relentless economic crisis that has severely affected their quality of life.
The Government has therefore made helping families one of its priorities since day one. With this in mind, it has presented “Chile Apoya: Plan de Recuperación Inclusiva,” (Chile Supports: Inclusive Recovery Plan), which includes multiple public policies whose main focus is supporting those sectors most affected by the crisis.
The plan consists of 21 measures that will provide real and substantive support to all Chileans.
Among the measures are: freezing public transport fares throughout Chile during the whole year; keeping the price of kerosene and gasoline in check; maintaining gas at a fair price; increasing the Higher Education Food Grant (Beca de Alimentación para la Educación Superior, BAES); expanding the Protect (Protege) Subsidy; extending the Labor Emergency Family Income (IFE Laboral) Subsidy until September; and widely introducing an Emergency Family Income (IFE) and the Patricio Manns Bonus for the cultural sector in case of confinement.
The plan will directly address the rising cost of living, boosting job creation and relief for struggling sectors, and supporting those who have left the labor market to work as caregivers, in an effort to overcome the hardships left by the pandemic.
President Gabriel Boric indicated, “we know this Recovery Plan is a starting point. Great changes are not achieved overnight and for these changes to be sustainable over time, they must be responsibly implemented.”
He added that there will be “more than US$1.3 billion in contributions handed directly to the pockets of families; close to US$1.4 billion in job creation and support for lagging sectors, women, young people, and the tourism and culture industries; and US$1 billion in support for micro, small and medium-sized businesses.”
Finally, he emphasized that “the economic development of a country is key, and inclusive development that prioritizes the contributions of those who have suffered the most is fundamental. It should be noted that the plan will generate 500,000 jobs, of which at least 250,000 will be for women.”
The direct contribution to the pockets of families will amount to US$1.3 billion. In addition, job creation and support for struggling sectors will involve an investment of US$1.4 billion, and support for MSMEs will reach US$1 billion, with the estimated amount to be allocated totaling US$3.7 billion.
For further information and details of the plan, visit www.gob.cl/chileapoya.