Protests against Chile's Private Pension System planned for October 24 in Santiago

The civil society group NO+AFP which opposes the private pension system in the country is calling supporters to demonstrate nationwide. In Santiago, demonstrators will gather at 12:00 (local time) in the Vicuña Mackenna square, in the vicinity of the National Library. Organizers are also calling for protests at labor-places and street actions throughout the day. The protests take place amid a corruption scandal involving insurance companies, which allegedly schemed to avoid insuring disabled and handicapped people. For a detailed list of protests throughout the country click here.

Bearing in mind that the protests have been announced in September, precedent suggests that NO+AFP protest could potentially attract large numbers. This is especially the case in Santiago. While the protests will probably transpire peacefully, social outrage over the said alleged schemes is liable to lead to limited acts of violence against offices belonging to private insurance firms. As a result, police will likely monitor these events.

Those operating or residing in Chile on October 24 are advised to exercise vigilance in the vicinity of protests given potential for unruly demonstrations, and to anticipate traffic disruptions.