Ruptly
"Dozens of protesters gathered in Plaza Victoria in Valparaiso ahead of President Jose Antonio Kast's first public address to Chile's National Congress, rejecting his government's proposed spending cuts. Demonstrators criticised the fiscal adjustment measures promoted by the executive, particularly cuts affecting health, education and social programmes. Footage shows police blocking protesters as water cannon trucks pushed the crowd back. The protest brought together social and trade union organisations, including the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores and the National Confederation of University Professionals of Health Services. They marched with slogans defending social rights and public funding. "Today, multiple health, education, and civil society organisations went out to protest against the cuts announced by Kast that go against the functioning of our hospitals, our schools, and acquired rights that today they want to take away from us," said Francisca, a member of the Human Rights and Nature Observatory of Valparaiso. Other demonstrators accused the government of misleading voters. "First of all, he lied to the country, to the people who voted for him. People believed there would be changes, and it turns out that is not the case," said a protester. Since taking office, Kast has blamed the previous administration of Gabriel Boric for many of the challenges his government faces. In his address, he referred to 'years of frustration' and a 'deterioration in quality of life,' saying his government had inherited a country with 'disordered accounts.' Kast promised to restore hope to the voters who elected him, while pushing an agenda focused on public order, security and fiscal restraint. His administration is seeking to tackle crime, control irregular migration and reduce the size of the state through budget cuts and restructuring. It has also proposed a 'National Reconstruction' plan, including tax reforms, modernisation of state management and measures aimed at boosting growth and employment. The measures sparked political and social debate, with critics warning they could hit social programmes, education and healthcare."
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