Chileans demand constitution reform

Chileans have held a demonstration in the capital, Santiago, to demand constitutional reform.

According to Press TV, protesters marched through Santiago streets on Saturday to urge the administration of President Michelle Bachelet to follow pledges to address constitutional reform in issues such as social inequality through an overhaul of education and healthcare systems.

The “march of all marches” demonstration called for changes to the constitution by also addressing the issue of autonomy for indigenous territories and free and good quality education.

Some protesters said the march was not against or in support of Bachelet and that it just intended to warn the officials that Chileans will stick to their demands and expectations from the government.

The Saturday demonstration is the first protest against Bachelet, who took office less than two weeks ago. It is also the biggest political protest in the country since massive student protests against the previous center-right government in 2011. Organizers said the protest has attracted some 100,000 people, but police say the number is some 25,000. Student protesters said they would not take part in the demonstration as they have been working with Bachelet on an education reform package that will soon be sent to congress.