Most of the protests have been peaceful with demonstrators of all ages banging pots to demand reforms. ADFaced with the mounting unrest, Piñera on Tuesday night announced economic reforms that include increases in the minimum wage and lowest state pensions. After the protests erupted, Piñera declared a state of emergency and rolled back the subway hike. He said Chile is “at war,” but took a more conciliatory tone after being criticized for the comment. Education and medicines are costly, water has been privatized since the dictatorship, state pensions are low and many families live on just $550 to $700 a month in earnings.

Source: Washington Post October 24, 2019 00:33 UTC