During a debate in the European Parliament on Wednesday, 13 November, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini and participating MEPs expressed particular concern over the situation in Chile, which has been experiencing an unprecedented social crisis for nearly a month.
Since the beginning of the movement, “22 deaths [have been reported], 2,000 people were injured, over 5,000 have been detained and almost 300 judicial actions have been presented including for homicides, sexual violence, and cruel treatment”, stated an indignant Mrs Mogherini, who called for “swift investigation of all crimes and human rights violations”.
MEPs also appeared to be alarmed by this situation and stressed the potential role that the EU could have: Martin Häusling (Greens/EFA, Germany) felt, “We must no longer turn a blind eye but play the role of mediator”.
For his part, Miguel Urbán Crespo (GUE/NGL, Spain) lamented that “the right in this parliament [had] tried to block the debate on Chile” and denounced “the ostrich policy” undertaken by Europeans. He called for trade agreements to be suspended with this country until human rights were respected there. Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy) also considered it impossible for the EU to continue with its association agreement (see EUROPE 12307/9) without further investment in human rights compliance.
EU ready to support Chile at this “important moment”
Federica Mogherini welcomed the Chilean government’s announcement of a cabinet reshuffle, a social agenda, and a project to draft a new constitution. MEP Leopoldo López Gil (EPP, Spain) also referred to these measures, mentioning “the action of a responsible, democratic government that wants solutions to the crisis”.
Mrs Mogherini confirmed that the EU is ready to assist the country during this transition phase. “This is an important moment for Chilean democracy [...]. A democracy that now needs a new social contract with a stronger focus on the fight against inequalities and on social inclusion”, she felt.
Thus, the cooperation programme set up within the framework of COP25 to assist Chile during its presidency will be maintained beyond the summit, which has finally been organised in Spain. “It is also important that the economic actors and the private sector in its majority have affirmed to be ready to do their part in support of a new inclusive social pact”, added the High Representative.
For his part, Jordi Cañas (Renew Europe, Spain) wondered, “Why have this debate here?” Since Europe cannot turn its back on the social crisis that Chile is experiencing, he judged that it [Europe], too, is facing problems with regard to health, education, and pensions. “We must not show false paternalism but respect for this ally, this partner that is ensuring stability in the region. Their problems are also ours”, he concluded. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki, intern)