On Friday, which marked three weeks of social unrest against the neoliberal model and existing inequalities in the country, a huge rally in Baquedano Square, of this capital, demonstrated that the popular movement that has put the Piñera government on the ropes remains strong.

During the week, the popular councils movement gained momentum, promoted by the Social Unity Roundtable, which brings together over 70 organizations, with the participation of thousands of people in neighborhoods and institutions to discuss the current situation and propose ways to move forward.

Among the most popular demands of the broadest sectors is the establishment of a Constituent Assembly that paves the way to a new Constitution, replacing the current one which dates from the Pinochet dictatorship.

Universities, mayors, politicians, intellectuals and even the Catholic Church, in the voice of the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Santiago, Monsignor Celestino Aos, have called for a new Magna Carta for Chile.

Protesters also demand more immediate measures to alleviate the existing inequality in Chilean society, such as increases in salaries and pensions, price controls on basic services, access to quality education and healthcare, among many others.

Security forces have exercised excessive force in the repression of peaceful demonstrations, which has aroused national and international condemnation.