I Am Not a Dictator, I Just Have a Grumpy Face

The Legacy of Pinochet’s Rule

The phrase in the title above is famously attributed to the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, a leader whose reign was marked by brutal repression and sweeping economic reforms inspired by the Chicago School of Economics. Despite the widespread human rights violations under his rule, he was openly praised by figures such as Margaret Thatcher and Milton Friedman. Friedman, while acknowledging his general dislike for authoritarian regimes, described Chile as an economic success story and personally met with Pinochet to advise on economic reforms.

Pinochet’s military junta, which ended 150 years of democracy, violently overthrew the democratically elected President Salvador Allende on September 11, 1973. The regime imprisoned, tortured, and executed thousands of students, politicians, and artists, all while implementing radical free-market policies that prioritized corporate interests over public welfare. Chile became the testing ground for extreme capitalist reforms, including the privatization of social security, state enterprises, and the pension system. Even the country’s central bank was made independent, solidifying a financial structure that disproportionately benefited the elite.

For those skeptical of the regime’s brutality, one of the most haunting reminders remains the 1973 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Santiago. The game took place in a stadium that was being used as a prison, where political dissidents were detained and tortured. Their screams were drowned out by the cheers of the crowd, serving as a grim metaphor for Pinochet’s rule: an economy thriving on the surface while the suffering of the people remained hidden from view.

Chile Today: A Nation Still Unequal

Now, even though the country can be characterized as a liberal Democracy is still suffering from its political past and facing many financial problems even today. The country remains one of the most unequal ones in Latin America". While in the last three decades due to neoliberal policies Chile, one of South America's wealthiest countries has the 1% of the population controlling 26.5% of the country's wealth, while 50% of low-income households access 2.1%. People struggling to make ends meet because of the high costs of privatized education and health system, while the costs of rents and utilities keep rising. Pinochet’s privatised pension system is being widely rejected by the majority of Chileans because of its low and often delayed payouts.

The Fight for Change and the Role of the State

Recent years have seen mass protests erupt across Chile, driven by growing frustration over economic inequality and governmental policies. The tipping point came in 2019 when a subway fare increase ignited widespread unrest, evolving into a broader movement against systemic inequality. While the fare hike was ultimately reversed, the demonstrations continued, revealing deep-seated anger over economic disparity and lack of social mobility.

These protests have also highlighted concerns about excessive use of force by police and military forces. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of torture, sexual violence, and unlawful detentions of protesters. The echoes of Pinochet’s authoritarianism remain evident in how state institutions respond to civil unrest.

Conclusion: A Country at a Crossroads

Chile stands at a pivotal moment in its history. While the country has seen progress since the fall of Pinochet’s regime, economic disparity remains a significant issue. Despite reductions in poverty levels, social mobility remains limited, and many Chileans feel trapped within a rigid class structure. The protests of recent years signal a deep desire for change—a call for a more equitable society that addresses the injustices of the past while building a fairer future.

Pinochet’s legacy is not just a chapter in Chile’s history; it is a lingering presence in its economic and political landscape. The challenge for Chileans today is to dismantle the structures of inequality left behind and create a system that truly serves all its people, not just the privileged few.

Written by Sergios Saropoulos