MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile's Senate okays state of emergency extension to tackle Mapuche crisis

Mapuche groups plan to stage a march on Friday, demanding that their ancestral land ownership rights be recognized

Chile's Senate approved Thursday a 30-day extension of the constitutional state of emergency in La Araucanía and the provinces of Arauco and Biobío, marking three years since President Gabriel Boric Font first implemented the measure in May 2022 to address escalating arson attacks. “Senate approves new extension of the state of emergency constitutional exception in the region of La Araucanía and the provinces of Arauco and Biobío”, informed a statement read.

The extension, the 56th since its inception, was approved with 27 votes in favor, one against, and three abstentions, and awaits the Lower House's nod. The measure aims to curb violence linked to Mapuche activist groups targeting forestry companies, churches, and trucks since the 1990s.

“For 30 more days, the validity of the state of constitutional emergency exception is extended in the Araucanía Region, and the provinces of Arauco and Biobío, of the Biobío Region, request that this must now be submitted to the consideration of the Chamber of Deputies and Deputies,” the Senate posted on X.

Critics, including Mapuche communities and activists, view the state of emergency as a tool for repressing and criminalizing the native group's fight against land dispossession.

A march against the state of emergency was called for May 16, 2025, to demand respect for Mapuche sovereignty, the withdrawal of military forces, and the release of Mapuche political prisoners, including Héctor Llaitul, sentenced to 23 years in prison for incitement and apology to violence, violent usurpation, theft of wood, and attack to the authority.

President Gabriel Boric Font has been advised to consider reparation measures, land restitution, and the creation of specialized state agencies to monitor progress.