Social and student organizations called several demonstrations for this Sunday, October 18, marking seven years since the social unrest of 2019. According to BioBioChile, President José Antonio Kast's government did not authorize any of them.
The main event is the so-called "Great March of Chile", scheduled for noon in Plaza Baquedano and regional squares across the country.
Another demonstration, "We Are All," is being organized by the Class-Based Workers' Federation. Its meeting point is the intersection of Alameda and Ahumada in downtown Santiago.
The Coordinating Assembly of Secondary Students (ACES) also called an event at 14:00 at Paulo Freire School in the municipality of San Miguel.
The government reiterated that no march has been authorized for Sunday and confirmed special security measures to prevent incidents. The outlet did not specify what these measures involve or how many police officers will take part.
The Workers' United Center (CUT), the country's largest trade union federation, distanced itself from the calls. Its president, José Manuel Díaz, said the organization had not called any activities for this date and was focusing its efforts on local organizing and coordination among social organizations.
Political figures were divided. Christian Democratic Party president Álvaro Ortiz defended the right to demonstrate but called for any demonstrations to be peaceful so as not to lose sight of the demands behind them.
Deputy Daniel Valenzuela, an independent in the National Renewal caucus, said there was nothing to celebrate on this date. He also said the marches should not take place without the appropriate authorization.
The anniversary comes with judicial proceedings still unresolved. According to Public Prosecutor's Office figures cited by the National Human Rights Institute (INDH), of more than 12 thousand complaints of institutional violence during the unrest, only 219 resulted in convictions.
Metropolitan Region Governor Claudio Orrego called for public infrastructure to be protected, particularly along Alameda and in Plaza Baquedano. He warned that those who cause damage or incidents will be pursued during Sunday's events.
