Chile confirms start of process to change constitution and try to calm protests

Four weeks after the wave of protests began in Chile, right-wing President Sebastián Piñera's government announced Sunday that it will begin the process of changing the constitution inherited from the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973 - 1990).

The current Charter, in force since 1980, is cited as the source of inequalities by experts and protesters. Since it was written and promulgated, the document has had over 200 modifications in 40 articles, but critics say it lacks legitimacy. 

In addition, the document does not state that the state should offer health and education rights.

The announcement of the change in laws meets one of the main demands of the thousands of protesters who have been protesting since October 18. A timetable for the new constitution has not yet been announced, but Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel said it would be quick.

Blumel's idea is that the process unfolds through a Constituent Congress, with broad citizen participation and a referendum to ratify the new Charter. The current Constitution does not establish mechanisms to replace it, nor does it give the president the possibility of calling a referendum.

Among the changes envisaged by Piñera's project are "better defining people's rights and establishing how they will be respected", specifying "state obligations" and creating "better mechanisms for citizen participation".

Some opposition leaders reacted with optimism. "The government is beginning to get a sense of reality," said Senate Constitution Commission Chairman Felipe Harboe of the center-left Party for Democracy (PPD).

Opponents of change argue that the current Charter is a pillar of stability for Chile, one of Latin America's strongest, investment-friendly economies.

After 24 days of protests, some with violent endings, including looting and fires, polls show that popular support for the social movement known as Chile Awakened exceeds 75%. And a similar index wants a new constitution. 

The protests began as a criticism of the already revoked high subway fare, and began to question social inequality, rising cost of living and other issues.

At least 20 people have been killed so far, companies have suffered billions of dollars in damage and Santiago's public transport system has been damaged - several subway stations have been destroyed.

Blumel confirmed the announcement after a meeting at President Piñera's house with the leaders of Chile Vamos, a political coalition that brings together four center-right and right parties, which until now were the most reluctant to profoundly change the Charter.

According to Blumel, it is about "reconfiguring the social contract" between the citizens of the country.

Among other measures announced by the authorities to relieve tension in the streets is the order given to the Chilean police to make "limited use" of stun guns.

The move comes as international condemnations of excessive use of force to suppress the protests have risen, resulting in 182 people with eye injuries caused by projectiles fired by security forces.