New constitution will not end Chile protests rapidly

Significance

This is its latest attempt to quell the protests and violence that have rocked Chile for over three weeks. Two days earlier, the country’s mayors bypassed the government and announced their own plan for a national consultation process on a new constitution.

Impacts

• According to various polls, over 70% of Chileans think the protests should continue.
• Debate about a new constitution may raise more controversies than it resolves.
• A key risk in situations like that of Chile is the emergence of a populist leader, but there is no sign of this so far.