Demonstrators complain about gas and toll prices and demand safety; President says act is a crime against public order
The nationwide strike by truck drivers in Chile reached its 5th day this Thursday (04/28/2022). Demonstrators are blocking the country’s main roads to call for increased police and to complain about rising fuel and toll prices. To curb the crimes, the government resorted to the National Security Law, which was widely used during the dictatorship.
This isn’t the first time the category has spoken out in favor of safety. Matters rose to prominence last week, however, when a truck driver was shot in the head.
The Interior Ministry and the strikers have met several times, but have not reached an agreement. Given this scenario, the government announced on Wednesday evening (27 Opening of 7 lawsuits by the National Security Law against movement leaders.
The leftwing Chilean President Gabriel Boric had already warned that truck drivers who block roads would be prosecuted. According to the CEO, the act constitutes a crime against public order because it prevents millions of people from freely passing through and being supplied with food.
Truck drivers organized further protests in February. Back then, they blocked roads and even an airport. In addition to the lack of security, they complained about the entry of immigrants into the country.
AUTHORIZATION OF BORIAN CASES
The strike poses a major challenge for Boric, who took office on March 13 this year.
In his 7th week in office, the Chilean President is rejected by 53% of the Chilean population. Another 36% agree with the government. This is shown by the Cadem survey published on Tuesday (April 26).
Boric, 35, beat rightwing candidate José Antonio Kast by 55.9% to 44.1% of the vote. The term of office began with 50% approval and 20% disapproval. The result of this 3rd shows the biggest deterioration in recent popularity in the country’s history.
The early end of the former student leader’s “honeymoon” is accentuated compared to his predecessors.
