Tomorrow, September 4, Chile will decide on the proposed new constitution. This referendum marks one of the most important and significant milestones in Chile's recent history. To analyze the post-plebiscite scenarios, FYNSA, together with La Tercera, organized an event that was broadcast on latercera.com and streamed on FYNSA's social media channels, with the participation of Roberto Izikson, Public Affairs Manager at the Cadem polling firm; former congresswoman and former convention member Marcela Cubillos; and former minister and former congressman José Antonio Viera-Gallo. The debate was moderated by journalist Matías del Río.

Public perception

The constitutional debate is taking place within a very special context, according to Izikson, with profound changes in citizens' perceptions, which in the last three years have shown a sharp decline in self-confidence, with a loss of pride in what it means to be Chilean and a polarization in terms of self-perception of well-being, with the wealthiest sectors showing higher levels of satisfaction with their lives and the lower-middle sectors showing higher levels of dissatisfaction than before the social unrest. Paradoxically, this framework reflects a re-legitimization of the armed forces and security forces and a revaluation of experienced politicians. "We are in an environment of fear and uncertainty," said Izikson. "Whatever the outcome of the plebiscite, the government will face much greater challenges than it did before the social unrest."

Regarding what we can expect after the referendum, Cubillos, who supports rejection, is skeptical that the groups supporting the constitutional proposal will be open to the significant changes that, in his opinion, the constitutional text requires if the approval vote wins. Viera-Gallo, who supports the approval, is confident, on the contrary, that the political forces will agree to make the corrections that the proposed Constitution needs.

You can view the event HERE.