Entrevista a Gonzalo Blumel: “Esperaba que la centro-izquierda aprendiera de la crisis del 73, pero en el estallido social se sedujo con la idea de derribar al Presidente Piñera”

Introduction: In a recent interview, Gonzalo Blumel, former Minister of the Interior in Chile, shared his perspective on the country’s political landscape during the social uprising in 2019. Blumel points out the missed opportunity for the center-left to learn from the country’s previous crisis in 1973 and instead succumbed to the allure of overthrowing President Piñera. His insights offer a thought-provoking analysis of the events leading up to the social unrest.

Summary: Blumel’s interview sheds light on the behavior of the center-left during Chile’s 2019 social uprising. He expresses his disappointment and surprise in how the center-left failed to learn from the lessons of the 1973 crisis, which saw the overthrow of President Salvador Allende. Blumel remarks that instead of focusing on the structural issues and searching for sustainable solutions, the center-left seemed enticed by the desire to topple President Piñera.

Blumel argues that the strategies used by the center-left during the social uprising were flawed. He criticizes their reliance on street protests and confrontations with law enforcement, which he believes led to a loss of credibility and support among the population. Blumel suggests that the center-left should have focused on engaging in constructive dialogue and proposing alternative policies instead.

Additional context: The social uprising in Chile in 2019 was characterized by widespread protests against socioeconomic inequality, rising living costs, and inadequate public services. The movement initially started as a response to a subway fare increase but quickly evolved to reflect deeper-rooted frustrations. The protests turned violent at times, leading to significant damage and clashes with security forces.

Conclusion: Blumel’s perspective on the center-left’s approach during the 2019 social uprising provides valuable insights into the political dynamics of the time. His disappointment in the missed opportunity to learn from history highlights the importance of reflection and strategic thinking in times of crisis. This interview serves as a reminder of the need for political actors to prioritize constructive dialogue and sustainable solutions rather than being solely motivated by political ambitions. Understanding and learning from the past can help shape a more effective response to societal challenges, ultimately leading to a stronger and more just future.