Protests Continue In Chile Despite Stimulus Announcement

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Dec. 3, 2019: Protests continues in Chile Monday event as the government of Sebastian Piñera announced a $5.5 billion stimulus package.

President Piñera, in an effort at reducing the social unrest and violent protests, announced the spending program that his Finance Minister Alvaro Briones said will help create 100,000 jobs next year.

The announcement came after the central bank reported that the Imacec index, a proxy for gross domestic product, tumbled 5.4% in October from the month before.

Violent protests broke out in Chile more than a month ago – on Oct. 18th. The protests have forced the closure of shops, paralyzed much of the public transport system and led many people to cut short their working hours.

Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel has called on everyone to categorically condemn the recent violence, pledged more police on the streets and backed the security forces despite allegations of human rights violations.