Chile’s political backdrop: From dictatorship to the 2019 unrest and Boric’s rise - Video

Chile returned to democracy in 1990 after decades of military rule under Augusto Pinochet. Since then, its politics have largely been shaped by two major blocs: a centre-left coalition and a centre-right alliance, which alternated in government. For many Chileans, however, these traditional parties were increasingly seen as distant from everyday concerns, particularly around inequality, pensions, transport costs, and access to public services.

In October 2019, long-standing frustrations erupted into mass demonstrations. What began as a protest over a metro fare hike quickly grew into the country’s largest social mobilisation since the return of democracy.

At the time, President Sebastián Piñera, leading a centre-right government, initially responded with fare freezes and limited concessions, but as protests escalated, he declared a state of emergency and deployed the military to the streets. In response, political parties across the spectrum agreed to launch a constitutional process to address public discontent.

Gabriel Boric, then a young MP and former student leader, emerged as one of the key figures associated with this moment of political renewal. He supported the constitutional process and criticised the government’s handling of the protests, arguing for deeper social reforms within a democratic framework.

In the 2021 presidential election, Boric faced José Antonio Kast, a conservative candidate who campaigned on security and a more traditional economic model. Boric won the run-off with just over 55%, becoming Chile’s youngest president and symbolising a generational shift in national politics.

This recent history continues to shape Chilean politics today. The experience of social mobilisation, constitutional debates, and shifting priorities has influenced voter expectations ahead of the upcoming election. Some Chileans still seek the transformative agenda associated with the post-2019 period, while others prioritise stability, security, and gradual reforms.