Thousands of Chileans protest President Kast's environmental rollbacks on World Water Day
PBS • • world
Key Points:
- Thousands protested across Chile on World Water Day against President José Antonio Kast's rollback of 43 environmental decrees enacted under former left-wing president Gabriel Boric.
- The repealed regulations protected endangered species, established national parks, and set pollution controls, including decontamination efforts for Lake Villarrica.
- Environmental groups criticized Kast's actions as favoring big business interests and commodifying nature, highlighting that 1.4 million Chileans still lack access to drinking water.
- Kast defended his decision by emphasizing economic deregulation and prioritizing technical criteria over environmental policies, while acknowledging climate change.
- Kast's presidency represents the most significant right-wing shift in Chile since the end of Pinochet's dictatorship, reflecting his earlier support for the former military ruler.
