Chile’s President Gabriel Boric has introduced the 2025 national budget, proposing a 2.7% increase in public spending. With crime being a key concern for Chileans, the new budget prioritizes national security, alongside investments in social sectors such as healthcare, pensions, and housing.
A significant portion of the budget is allocated to bolstering security measures. The government plans to deploy 1,300 additional police officers, enhance border security, and address organized crime, particularly within the prison system. This move is supported by newly approved legislation against tax evasion, which will contribute an estimated $1.2 billion in extra revenue.
Boric also aims to reduce the budget deficit, projecting a cut to 1.1% of GDP from 1.9% this year, marking a step toward stabilizing public debt. Finance Minister Mario Marcel emphasized that this fiscal strategy aligns with the government’s goal of sustainable economic growth, targeting a 2.6% increase in GDP for 2025.
Beyond security, the budget proposal outlines investments in healthcare, housing, and culture. The government is committed to reducing waiting times in healthcare facilities, constructing 260,000 new housing units, and increasing resources for immunization programs by 42%.
As the proposal heads to Congress for approval, Boric’s administration faces scrutiny, with a focus on whether the projected revenue from tax reforms will meet expectations. With elections looming, the government’s response to crime and economic challenges will likely play a decisive role in shaping public opinion.
