Santiago, Mar. 16 (EFE).- As he enters the last year of his presidency, Chilean President Gabriel Boric acknowledges that the global rise of the far right is partly a consequence of the left’s failures.
In an exclusive interview, Boric argues that countering extremist movements requires: “ideology, conviction, less rhetoric, and more concrete actions that improve people’s quality of life.”
Boric reflected on the successes and missteps of his istration, which took office in March 2022 as one of Latin America’s youngest heads of state. Among his major accomplishments, he highlighted Chile’s long-awaited pension reform, which aims to address the country’s inadequate retirement system.
“There was a broad consensus that the system was unsustainable and that pensions were undignified,” Boric said. “Despite deep disagreements, we reached a consensus that will improve people’s lives.”
Other notable policies include a comprehensive law against gender-based violence, the creation of Chile’s first Ministry of Security, and increased access to public transportation, including free rides on certain services.
A self-critical look at the left
Boric itted to miscalculations in his early years in office, particularly regarding Chile’s failed attempts to draft a new constitution.
In 2022, voters overwhelmingly rejected a progressive constitutional proposal. Boric now believes his government was too lenient with radical factions in the drafting process.
“We had too much complacency with sectors that refused to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions,” he said, acknowledging that his istration could have done more to steer the process toward a broader consensus.
On the global political landscape, Boric did not shy away from discussing the rise of right-wing populism, particularly in the United States under former president Donald Trump. He warned that leaders like Trump thrive on feeding collective fear.
“These types of leaders want us to fall into a state of hysteria,” Boric said. “But fear is not what drives me. What concerns me is the alternative we are offering.”
US-Chile trade tensions
The Chilean leader also addressed potential economic tensions with the US. Trump has launched an investigation into whether America’s reliance on imported copper poses a national security risk. The move could lead to tariffs on Chile’s largest export.
“If tariffs were imposed on copper, it would be bad news, first and foremost, for people from the US,” Boric said. “They can’t replace copper overnight, but it would certainly be a blow to Chile.”
Chile, the world’s largest copper producer, exported over $50 billion worth of the metal in 2024, with 11.3 percent of shipments going to the US. While Boric acknowledged the threat, he dismissed the long-term viability of protectionist economic policies.
“Survival of the fittest is a lie that has no legs,” he said. “A trade war is not sustainable.”
Chile’s role in a world of change
Despite global uncertainties, Boric remains committed to Chile’s multilateral approach, rejecting the idea that smaller nations should simply avoid controversy.
“We are not anyone’s backyard,” he asserted. “We must defend the principles we believe in, whether it’s Ukraine, Venezuela, or Gaza.”
With one year left in office, Boric said his focus is not on his future but on consolidating his istration’s progress. He hopes that Chile’s left-wing coalition can offer a viable alternative in elections, emphasizing that political projects must extend beyond individual governments.
“What matters is a long-term vision,” he said. “Countries are built with that in mind.” EFE
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