Vicaría, Church, Regime and Opposition, 1983–89

Abstract

The events which first served to maintain the prominence of the Vicaría were the series of national one- or two-day demonstrations against the regime, known as the protestas, which became a central feature of Chilean political life over the period 1983–86. The first day of national protest, 11 May 1983, convoked by the Confederation of Copper Workers (CTC), was a success of proportions which took everyone, regime and opposition alike, by surprise.¹ Santiago was brought to a virtual standstill and the cross-class nature of the protest resounded in the volume of pot-banging (recalling a form of protest used against the Allende government) echoing even from the wealthier districts of the city.