Analysis: Even President Piñera does not seem to know which leg to stand on

Even President Piñera does not seem to know which leg to stand on. One day he declares war on the protesters and announces the first state of emergency - apart from natural disasters - since the military regime was abolished in 1990. Then he tries to join the demonstrators and presents social reforms that raised minimum wages and increased taxation of the richest.

On Wednesday, Piñera struck a self-critical tone in an interview with the BBC. Chile's president acknowledged that the political establishment was too poor to hear the dissatisfaction that is shameful in society, and he explained that any abuse by the regime should now be investigated.

But on Thursday, Piñera convened the country's national security council with the chiefs of the police, navy, air force and army, as well as the chairmen of both chambers of Congress and the Supreme Court. The decision was quickly met with criticism from human rights organizations and opposition politicians who believe that it gives completely wrong signals.

The President also presented a package of tough measures such as stricter legislation against looting and barricades, masking bans, strengthening the police's intelligence work and surveillance from the air, and giving citizens the opportunity to notify persons who disrupt public order via a website.

Thus, the government of Chile now seems to be once again striking a line that signals tougher grip. The decision comes after protests have paralyzed the country for three weeks and where the last few days have meant that the violence has regained momentum with fresh reports of abuses by security forces, damage in the capital Santiago and a notable attack with molotov cocktail against the police.

At the same time, the protest movement has entered a new phase - from “protest” to “propuesta” - where concrete proposals on how Chile could be reformed are discussed in neighborhoods, workplaces and universities. The focus is on the requirements for a new constitution to replace the current one, which is a remnant of the military dictatorship. Among the critics, the Constitution is seen as the main obstacle to comprehensive reforms for increased equality.

When the image of Chile as a model for economic prosperity and political stability has now burst, the country may instead be an example of how street protests can be channeled into a constructive process where different sections of society are activated in a joint discussion about how a future society could see out. A peaceful way forward for Latin American communities grappling with deep abyss gaps and demands for social security.