Boric’s Wavering Strategy: Navigating Reforms Amidst Political Challenges

The capacity of President Gabriel Boric to drive and approve meaningful reforms has been a topic of extensive debate. In this regard, the ruling party senator Pedro Araya (PPD) expressed his skepticism on April 4th in an interview, stating that "the government has to give up on the pension reform project and the tax reform. If we have a pension reform, it will be a cosmetic one and will favor the industry, without addressing the core issue: improving pensions." This distrust intensified when, earlier this week, the president conditioned his support for the political system reform on the approval of the pension reform in a Congress where his government is a minority.

Despite this, President Boric sought to change this perception in his recent speech at the National Business Meeting 2024 (ENADE), attempting to dispel any accusations of political blackmail. He declared: "I want to explicitly state and to avoid any speculation that, as president, I am in favor of reforming our political system." This new approach suggests, in principle, a reconciliation with the need to advance important reforms without preconditions. The change in strategy, which at first glance appears positive, also raises questions about the president’s consistency.

A Pattern of Uncertainty

It is no secret that Boric has changed his mind on key occasions in the past, which raises serious doubts about his reliability in guiding the reforms that are or are not part of his original program. This pattern of uncertainty, evident in the itinerancy and fluctuation of his positions, underscores the need for the president to back his words with concrete actions that reflect a firm commitment, especially in the less than two years of government that remain.

Furthermore, although the president is known for his ability to call for agreements, the inconsistencies in his actions after making these calls call into question his capacity to effectively carry them out. This challenges the perception of his leadership and raises questions about his ability to pass the promised reforms.

A Critical Moment for the Government

With local elections in October 2024 and the presidential election in December 2025, the government finds itself at a critical juncture. It must demonstrate pragmatism and a long-term vision. Otherwise, the concerns expressed by Senator Araya could materialize, and Chile could be left without the necessary pension, tax, and political system reforms.

The scenario in Congress is very complicated, and it is true that the current parliamentarians have long been out of sync with the citizenry, but votes are not won with voluntarism or demanding proof of love from the opposition, but by negotiating, making strategic concessions, and aligning the parliamentarians. It is crucial that President Boric backs up his commitment to implement the modifications to the political system with actions, such as negotiating with the parties, presenting the reform message, or aligning his parliamentarians in the votes on this issue.

The True Test of Leadership

The true test of Boric’s leadership will lie in his ability to maintain a coherent and predictable discourse, ensuring that all stakeholders understand his intentions. Additionally, he must resist the pressures of the more radical sectors within his own coalition, such as the PC and the FA, and ensure that the necessary parliamentarians are prepared to support the votes when needed. If he fails to do this, the praise for his rhetoric will remain empty, and the opportunity to make significant and lasting changes could be irretrievably lost.

Conclusion

The challenges facing President Boric’s government are multifaceted and complex, but the need for decisive action and a clear vision is paramount. By demonstrating pragmatism, negotiating effectively, and aligning his coalition, Boric can navigate the political landscape and deliver the reforms that Chile so desperately needs. The coming years will be a true test of his leadership, and the success or failure of his administration may well hinge on his ability to turn his rhetoric into tangible results.