Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet voiced her worries about the current social and political climate in Chile. She highlighted a widespread feeling of anger and frustration among citizens, using a viral video of a violent road rage incident as an example.
Bachelet stated that Chilean society is deeply fragmented and politically polarized, with significant anger directed towards the political system, insecurity, and daily struggles. She cited a UN Development Programme (UNDP) report criticizing the obstructive nature of Chilean politics and a report from her own foundation, Horizonte Ciudadano, revealing a pessimistic outlook among citizens. She noted that a sense of national unity only emerges during specific events like the Pan American Games or national holidays.
Bachelet stressed the need for dialogue and agreement between political factions, drawing parallels to the post-dictatorship era. She challenged presidential candidates to inspire credible hope by offering concrete solutions to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. She emphasized the importance of honest feedback and avoiding blind loyalty, urging leaders to prioritize effective governance.