Democratic Backsliding October 15th

What event led to the rejection of a new constitution in Chile?

Twice asked to vote on a new constitution and twice rejected it.

What was the political composition of the assembly that alienated voters?

The assembly was dominated by the left.

What was the outcome of the new assembly dominated by the right?

The charter failed again.

Who is the current president of Chile facing challenges in passing reforms?

Gabriel Boric.

What historical figure's constitution is currently in place in Chile?

Augusto Pinochet.

What was a significant issue during the first convention for the new constitution?

Scandals and lack of party discipline.

What clause was included in the new draft of the constitution?

A clause allowing exemption from the law based on personal beliefs.

What do voters prefer in political leaders regarding consensus?

Leaders who seek consensus over those who defend their stance at the expense of agreements.

What are the two options presented for Chile's constitutional future?

Write a new constitution or allow congress to improve the current constitution.

What setback did Boric face in the elections?

The far-right party swept the elections.

Who is the leader of the far-right party opposing constitutional changes?

Jose Antonio Kast.

What coalition won seats in the recent elections?

Unidad Para Chile coalition.

What percentage of Chilean voters still support progressive forces?

38%.

What issues have contributed to rising tensions in Chile?

Illegal immigration and organized crime.

What was Gabriel Boric's campaign focus?

Gender equality, indigenous rights, and environmental protections.

What was the nature of the campaign between Boric and Kast?

It was dominated by fear and polarizing rhetoric.

What historical event still haunts Chile 50 years later?

The coup in 1973 led by Pinochet.

What was the political status of Allende before Pinochet's coup?

He was the president of Chile.

What is the public's perception regarding Allende's overthrow?

The country is split on whether it was a crushing military defeat or a political failure.

What was the outcome of the primary election for left-wing parties?

Jara won the primary election.

How does Jara differ from other communist peers?

He is less dogmatic and more diplomatic.

What challenges does the left face in Chile currently?

Declining popularity, sluggish economic growth, and rising fears over organized crime.

What was the political climate in Chile before the coup?

Stable civilian government since 1932, with a coalition of Communists and Allende's socialists in power.

What economic policy did Pinochet implement after taking control in Chile?

He hired the Chicago Boys, a group of young technocrats, to privatize state firms and implement free-market reforms.

What were the consequences of the UP coalition's strategy in Chile?

The coalition pursued radical programs without a popular majority, leading to the loss of middle-class support.

What was the outcome of the coup in Chile regarding the political left?

The Communist party blamed its own caution and failure to arm the UP, while socialists were self-critical of their strategy.

What major change occurred in Bolivia's political landscape after Morales?

Bolivia swung to the right with conservative candidates advancing to the runoff, and the Congress ruled by right-of-centre parties.

What economic challenges did the next president of Bolivia face?

The new president inherited a dire economy and needed to form a legislative coalition for economic reforms.

What significant political change occurred in Ecuador under Guillermo Lasso?

Lasso invoked a constitutional clause to dissolve the opposition-led national assembly and ruled by decree until snap elections.

What were the consequences of Correa's presidency in Ecuador?

Correa expanded public services but also eliminated presidential term limits and targeted civil society, leading to a weakened state.

What issues did Noboa face during his re-election bid in Ecuador?

Noboa faced crises including high public debt, energy rationing, and a security crisis with rising gang violence.

What was the impact of Villavicencio's assassination in Ecuador?

It led to a rise in violence against politicians and raised questions about the role of the national police in protecting them.

What was the economic condition of Bolivia under Arce's administration?

Bolivia recovered economically due to high natural gas prices, which helped reduce poverty.

What was a significant policy change regarding coca cultivation in Bolivia?

Bolivia decriminalized coca cultivation and enacted a new constitution protecting the rights of indigenous peoples.

What challenges did the interim government in Bolivia face?

The interim government under Añez attempted to erase ethnic pluralism and faced backlash for its policies.

How did the political situation in Ecuador reflect a breakdown of democracy?

Ecuador experienced a breakdown as Lasso ruled by decree amid high murder rates and organized crime.

What was the ideological shift of Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia?

Paz shifted from radical leftist roots to a more central stance to attract disillusioned leftist voters.

What was a major criticism of Lasso's administration in Ecuador?

Lasso was criticized for surrounding himself with young and inexperienced ministers, leading to feelings of abandonment among citizens.

What was a key lesson learned from the Chilean coup?

A broad agreement on a peaceful solution was needed but ultimately did not happen.

What factors contributed to the rise of organized crime in Ecuador?

The rise was linked to the decline of FARC influence, regional disputes among gangs, and the growth of drug trafficking.

What was the significance of the 1952 National Revolution in Bolivia?

It benefited the indigenous population, who had been underrepresented in government.

What was the political outcome of the referendum during Lenin Moreno's presidency in Ecuador?

The referendum restored presidential term limits and purged the Council on Citizen Participation and Social Control.

What was the effect of economic policies on public services in Ecuador?

Policies promoting zero deficit led to a weakening of the state's presence in public services and increased reliance on foreign debt.

What was the role of the US in relation to Bolivia's coca cultivation?

Coca remains a contentious issue in US-Bolivian relations, with the US condemning Bolivia's decriminalization efforts.

What challenges did the Arce administration face in Bolivia?

Arce faced challenges from a politically polarized environment and the need to gain a truce between warring factions.

What was the impact of economic recovery on poverty in Bolivia?

The economic recovery helped reduce poverty levels significantly, aided by natural gas earnings.