Santiago Governor Claudio Orrego issued a call for political dialogue during a private book relaunch at the National Library last Friday. The event marked the ten-year anniversary of the passing of former President Patricio Aylwin.
The event featured the relaunch of the bookEl reencuentro de los demócratas(The Reunion of the Democrats), written by the former president. According to a letter to the director of La Tercera, the presentation took place without press coverage in a small room within the National Library.
Orrego used the occasion to reflect on the current state of Chilean politics, noting a shift from civic discourse to political spectacle. He observed that in the current era of disagreement, adversaries are often treated as enemies and disparagement is used to generate social media engagement and win elections.
In his tribute, Orrego suggested that Aylwin's conciliatory and prudent message serves as a necessary "echo of wisdom" during times of polarization. He questioned what the former president would think of a political landscape where social media fervor has replaced historical perspective.
A call for listening
The Governor critiqued the modern political landscape, where the pursuit of "likes" often takes precedence over civic engagement. He highlighted a trend where denigrating others has become a tool for political gain.
Orrego pointed to the book as a fundamental example of the necessity of engaging with opposing viewpoints. He emphasized that the work demonstrates the importance of listening to those who think differently.
"If you want to know it, go back and readEl reencuentro de los demócratas, an example that in life you must listen again and again to those who think differently," Orrego stated, according to latercera.com.
He concluded his message with a forceful plea for active engagement with dissenting voices. He urged the public to listen to others repeatedly, stating, "Listen to them. Listen to them again. Listen to them until it hurts."
