September 11, 1973 marked a historic turning point for Chile. On that day, Salvador Allende, the democratically elected president, was overthrown in a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet. The images of this dramatic moment, notably the destruction of the presidential palace of La Moneda, went around the world, testifying to the brutal collapse of Chilean democracy.
Fifty years after these events, Allende’s legacy and the consequences of Pinochet’s dictatorship are still palpable in Chile. Uncertainty persists over the exact circumstances of Allende’s death, with some arguing that he was murdered rather than committing suicide. Likewise, many political opponents disappeared during the dictatorship, and their families continue to fight for the truth and justice.
The commemoration of this fiftieth anniversary sparks intense debate and reveals the persistent divisions within Chilean society. The collective memory of this period is fragmented, leaving little room for a common historical narrative. Political divisions and the presence of former members of the dictatorship in the country’s institutions fuel this division.
Salvador Allende remains a polarizing figure, rejected by conservatives but also a source of division within left-wing forces. Some politicians, such as President Gabriel Boric, claim its republican heritage while moving away from its image of revolutionary and anti-imperialist hope.
As for Augusto Pinochet, his criticized presence remains omnipresent in Chilean political life. Finding a common commemoration of this tragic date remains a major challenge for the country.
However, despite the ongoing divisions and debates, it is important to remember that the events of September 11, 1973 had a profound impact on Chile and the entire world. They bear witness to an era of ideological conflict and political upheaval, but also of courageous resistance to authoritarianism.
Fifty years later, it is essential to continue to remember this dark period in Chilean history, to seek the truth and to continue efforts for justice and reconciliation. Chile still has a long way to go to achieve a collective memory and shared understanding of its past, but it is necessary work to ensure that such events never happen again.