▲ President Sebastian Piñera of Chile


In Chile, where protests intensified by raising the 50-won subway fare, President Sebastian Piñera took action.

Mr. Figueroa announced a public discourse at the presidential palace in Santiago, saying, "It is true that problems have accumulated for decades, and the government has not recognized the situation."

"I have heard the will of the people humbly and clearly," he added. "I want to turn this crisis into an opportunity."

In Chile, demonstrations in which the rise of the Santiago subway fare of 30 pesos (50 won based on commuting time) became the national flag.

Citizens, who had been complaining about frequent public fare hikes and living prices too high for the common people, burst into anger over inequality due to the increase in subway fare.
The protests, which began on the seventh, led by students, sharpened on the 18th, followed by subway stations, building arson, and shop looting, killing 15 people.

The government proclaimed an emergency in major cities, gave control to the military and issued a night curfew.

President Fischera lately called for talks, withdrawing from the subway fare increase after the protests intensified, but continued to speak hard about protesters, saying, "Chile is at war with the protesters."

The measures, which came with a calming tone after two days of war, contained broad policies to reduce household burdens and mitigate polarization.

According to Chile's daily El Mercurio, the measures included raising the PBS and Supplemental Pensions by 20% immediately and raising additional pensions for seniors aged 75 and over in the next and next years.

In addition, the government decided to guarantee a minimum wage of 350,000 pesos (570,000 won), which was raised from 301,000 pesos (490,000 won), while reducing medical expenses and stabilizing electricity bills.

Chile's Treasury has estimated a budget of $ 1.2 billion ($ 1.4 trillion) for these measures.

Mr. Figueroa says he will set up an income tax section for high-income earners who earn more than 8 million pesos ($ 13 million) a month to apply a 40 percent tax rate and reduce wages for lawmakers and senior officials.

How demonstrators will accept the president's appeasement will determine whether this will prolong the situation.

(Photo = Getty Images Korea)