SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Thousands took to the streets in Santiago and other cities on Sunday to celebrate World Water Day. This show of solidarity came after President José Antonio Kast rolled back multiple environmental protections introduced by his predecessor, Gabriel Boric.
Protesters, organized by various environmental groups, rallied under the slogan “Don’t ‘Kast-igate’ Nature.” They gathered in 15 cities, highlighting widespread concern over the recent policy changes.
Cristóbal Rodríguez, a spokesperson for the Movement for the Defense and Access to Water, Land, and the Environment, pointed out a serious issue: around 1.4 million Chileans still lack access to clean drinking water. He criticized Kast’s approach, suggesting it draws on the oppressive tactics of the Pinochet era, prioritizing corporate interests over environmental well-being.
Just one day into his presidency, Kast halted 43 environmental protection regulations. These rules safeguarded endangered species like Darwin’s frog and the Humboldt penguin, established national parks, and addressed pollution in places like Lake Villarrica. They were designed to limit emissions from thermoelectric plants, highlighting a commitment to preserving nature.
Kast stated, “We want to generate the best possible public policy around full employment while always respecting the environment.” However, critics feel his administration is using nature as a battleground to benefit large corporations. Rodríguez described the policy changes as an “environmental chainsaw approach.”
While Kast has acknowledged climate change, he favors deregulation and favors technical criteria over what he dismisses as “environmental ideologies.” This shift reflects the most significant rightward swing in Chilean politics since the end of military rule in 1990, a transition that Kast openly supports, recalling his youth in advocacy for Pinochet.
According to a recent survey from the Chilean National Youth Institute, over 70% of young citizens feel anxious about the future of their country’s environment. Many see Kast’s rollback of protections as a direct threat to their hopes for sustainable progress. This reflects a growing disconnect between leadership and public sentiment on environmental issues.
The recent protests underscore a critical moment in Chile, where the fight for environmental justice continues amid political turmoil. The future will reveal whether these voices can influence policy and safeguard the nation’s natural treasures.
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