In view of the severe unrest in recent days, the government in Chile has extended the state of emergency to more than half of the country's regions. After a weekend of violent protests, the death toll increased according to official figures to eleven.
"We are at war with a powerful, unforgiving enemy," Chile's President Sebastián Piñera said after a crisis meeting with General Javier Iturriaga, in charge of security in the capital Santiago de Chile. The opponent is ready to use unlimited violence and crime, said Piñera. All Chileans should now join forces.
The protests in Chile had been triggered by an increase in ticket prices for public transport. Since Friday protesters attacked nearly 80 subway stations and set numerous buses on fire. In addition, supermarkets and gas stations were looted and set on fire. Forces captured around 1,500 people.
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Unrest in Chile: Rebellion against exploding pricesThe Governor of Santiago de Chile, Karla Rubilar, said that three people were killed in the protests on Saturday and eight on Sunday. At least seven of them died as a result of fires in a looted clothing factory and a looted supermarket.
Government mobilizes nearly 10,000 police officers and soldiers
Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick has now extended the state of emergency to nine out of Chile's 16 regions. The escalation of violence is being organized to harm Chile, Chadwick said. A nocturnal curfew from 7pm to 6am in Santiago de Chile has been extended. At the airport of the capital, hundreds of flights were canceled, thousands of passengers stranded.
After the first clashes between protesters and police on Friday, Piñera suspended the fare increase on Saturday. But the riots continued. The conservative government mobilized nearly 10,000 police officers and soldiers. It is the first time since the end of the dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet in 1990 that the military is patrolling the Chilean capital.
Several Chilean football stars called on the government to "listen to people" and find solutions to the worst social conflict in decades. "I pray that my beloved Chile is doing better," wrote Arturo Vidal, Barcelona midfielder, on Twitter. "Now is the time for answers and solutions," said Claudio Bravo, captain of Chile's national team.
Deep gap between rich and poor
The Foreign Office in Berlin called on Chile travelers to be particularly cautious. Further riots in larger cities can not be ruled out. Travelers should therefore avoid public places and crowds, follow the instructions of the local security forces and check with local media.
Background of the protests is the deep gap between rich and poor in the South American country. Chile, considered one of Latin America's most stable countries, has the highest per capita income in the region. Economic growth is estimated at 2.5 percent this year, and inflation is only two percent.
For a large part of the population, however, this positive economic trend is of little consequence. With rising health and living costs and lower pensions, frustration is high.
