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A useful phrase from Chilean politics, in recent years, has pointed out the importance of letting institutions work; Important leaders of our democracy have repeated that it is important to let them do their job. And we could think that in a democracy this would be enough for each of the powers of the State and those who lead them to act fulfilling the role that corresponds to them as a starting point.
Concepts such as probity, transparency, citizen control, are words of good parenting against acts as reprehensible as the Director of the Investigative Police providing information on cases to an incumbent lawyer.
During a lengthy hearing, followed live by the media, serious accusations were raised regarding leaking confidential information.
At the same time, those same media informed us that – in Parliament – the administration agreement established for the governance of the Senate was broken.
In that context, phrases like: People distrust “politicians” seemed like irony or a bad joke.
There has even been talk of “militarizing” as a solution to the security crisis that is present in different territories of our country.
Thus, as citizens we perceive institutions permeated by corruption and a discredited political class, the absence of leadership and the insufficiency of convening political projects. All this, without a doubt, constitutes a serious threat to democracy.
The little that is left
Institutions such as Chile’s firefighters continue to appear as the most respected and valued by citizens. And there is little else.
Various surveys point this out; People trust firefighters and they work voluntarily and put their own lives at risk in pursuit of a greater goal. Isn’t there the key that we haven’t been able to understand?
Distrust of the role that each part of the State plays also seems to have paralyzed our political system. He seems to have assumed that diagnosis as reality, losing the ability to react and intend effective responses.
Thus, specific thematic initiatives, lacking articulation and planning, hope to provide a response and establish a feeling of greater confidence.
Urgent challenges
In this state of affairs, it seems essential that diagnoses be shared by those in power. That, in my opinion, is milestone zero, because this time the challenge is greater: it means rethinking the institutional framework and generating real citizen control mechanisms. To do this, a political project is required that can rethink and revitalize a democracy that today seems very fragile.
The upcoming territorial elections for mayors, councilors, regional councilors and governors should mark a milestone in this regard. It is the citizens who are called to decide in their space who will lead, manage and materialize proposals that allow them to live better. The baseline is clear and the requirements of probity, integrity and commitment to the public role are urgent minimums.
Rossana Carrasco Meza[1]
[1] PUC Political Scientist, Master in Management and Regional and Local Development U. of Chile.