Government of Gabriel Boric and Progressivism in Chile: Reflections on its Democratic Socialist Tendency and Ideological Challenges

Abstract

The government chaired by Gabriel Boric subscribes to a democratic socialism tendency that is characterized by combining a regulated market economy with solid social policies, maintaining the continuity of center-left policies since the 1990´s Concertación. Despite the persistent neoliberalism since the dictatorship, the Chilean economic elite retains its influence without apparent fractures. Boric, despite his progressive leanings, has appointed figures with business connections, indicating the continuity of the neoliberal approach. The government has implemented various social measures, such as the reduction of working hours, the creation of the Universal Health Fund, the reduction of waiting lists and pension reforms. In addition, a national strategy for lithium has been proposed, with the renegotiation of contracts and the creation of a research institute. As for the Chilean left, there is a lack of a solid alternative project to overcome capitalism, even in self-proclaimed socialist countries. In the case of Boric, his government is oriented towards reforms and adjustments to mitigate inequalities, instead of a total overcoming of the system. The prevalence of identity politics is highlighted, focusing on specific demands rather than a universal perspective, generating debates about the cohesion of progressivism. In this context, the Boric administration presents itself as a pragmatic leadership, aware of the need to revitalize the political left, although it has not yet managed to consolidate an alternative to the capitalist system.