Title: 50 years of the coup d’état in Chile: a dark chapter in Chilean history
Introduction :
50 years ago, a tragic event would forever mark the history of Chile. On September 11, 1973, a military junta led by General Augusto Pinochet overthrew the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende. This brutal coup would give rise to a dictatorship that would last nearly two decades, causing the deaths of thousands and leaving deep scars in Chilean society. Today, we return to this tragic event and its still palpable consequences.
1. The historical context:
To understand the coup d’état in Chile, it is essential to review the historical context of the time. Salvador Allende, elected president in 1970, was a left-wing politician who launched an ambitious program of social and economic reforms. However, his radical reforms and his desire to nationalize certain industries had aroused opposition from powerful local and foreign economic interests, notably the United States.
2. The coup d’état:
On September 11, 1973, the Chilean armed forces clandestinely supported by the United States launched an offensive against the presidential palace. Salvador Allende commits suicide and Augusto Pinochet proclaims himself head of state. This coup marks the beginning of a dark period during which civil liberties are violated, political repression is common, and the militarization of the country is reinforced.
3. The Pinochet dictatorship and its consequences:
Under the Pinochet dictatorship, thousands of people were arrested, tortured and executed for their political ideas. Human rights are trampled upon and freedom of expression is suppressed. In addition, a neoliberal economic policy is put in place, favoring large companies and foreign interests to the detriment of the working classes.
4. The democratic transition:
After 17 years of dictatorship, Augusto Pinochet was forced to leave power in 1990. A democratic transition began, but the wounds of the dictatorship were far from being healed. The families of the victims are demanding justice and the search for the missing is becoming a major issue for Chilean society.
5. Current debates:
Today, the Constitution inherited from the dictatorship is still in force and sparks lively debates. Many Chileans believe that it must be reformed to guarantee true democracy and greater social justice. The current government has also launched a national plan for the search for truth and justice in response to these demands.
Conclusion :
The coup d’état in Chile in 1973 left indelible marks on the country’s collective memory. Victims of the dictatorship have long been deprived of justice and recognition, and Chilean society today continues to struggle to face its past and build a better future. The 50th anniversary of this tragic event is therefore an opportunity to remember, but also to reflect on the lessons to be learned to prevent such tragedies from happening again.