CRISIS OF PARLIAMENTARISM IN CHILE: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES - HISTORY - 2024

The crisis of parliamentarism in Chile began in 1910, when a series of circumstances began to weaken the Chilean political system implanted after the civil war of 1891. Despite this, parliamentarism still resisted for another decade, until, in 1924, the military took power.

At the end of the civil conflict in Chile, the winners adapted the current Constitution to implement a system in which Parliament had primacy over the presidential figure. At first, this made it possible to provide stability to the country, although it was not without its problems.

First presidency of Arturo Alessandri Palma - Source: Library of the National Congress

Thus, the oligarchy continued to be an important force that held back some reforms considered important, especially in the social sphere. Equally, electoral fraud was very frequent. In the end, this led to the emergence of new political actors, especially left-wing parties and labor organizations.

In 1924, a group of soldiers took power after the paralysis of some social measures they requested. After a few months, Arturo Alessandri returned to the presidency, promulgating a Constitution that restored the presidential system.

Causes

The parliamentary regime in Chile was established after the civil war of 1821. Despite the change in the system, there was no reform of the Constitution of 1833, but it simply began to be interpreted differently.

Thus, the rulers increased the power of the political parties present in Congress, while reducing the presidential powers.

For several years, parliamentarism worked well, despite some recurring problems. It was not until 1910 when criticism of the system began to appear, especially due to the paralysis of several laws of a social nature.

Social issue

At the beginning of the crisis of parliamentarism, one of the most debated issues in Chile was the so-called social question. The social and labor laws were very unfavorable for the workers and less favored sectors, who began to mobilize to obtain the approval of new legislation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the government had passed some of the laws demanded by workers. For example, Sunday was established as a day of rest and the law on workers' rooms was enacted.

However, these measures were not enough to alleviate the problems suffered by the popular classes, emerging new political organizations that struggled to improve their rights.

Opposition of the oligarchy to the reforms

Parliamentarism had not succeeded in ending the power traditionally held by the Chilean oligarchy. In fact, Congress was filled with members of that oligarchy and it was criticized that many decisions were made in the elite centers of the time, such as the Equestrian Club or in the meetings of the high positions of the Church.

During his first presidency, Jorge Alessandri tried to reform labor laws and the functioning of parliament. His intention was to prevent an outbreak among the popular classes. However, the oligarchy paralyzed these reforms, which caused an increase in discomfort towards the system.

Corruption

Another cause that caused the crisis in Chilean parliamentarism was the so-called autonomous commune law, included in the electoral law passed after the civil war.

With this legislation, local authorities were no longer controlled by the central government. From that moment on, it was the political parties that won the elections who made all the decisions. These parties could even intervene in all aspects related to the electoral roll.

The result was an increase in fraud. According to the chronicles, those who wanted to be elected mayors or parliamentarians could achieve the position by paying large amounts of money.

Noise of sabers

On September 4, 1924, a group of soldiers staged a coup in Chile. The cause, in addition to the previous ones, was the non-approval of a series of legal reforms that improved the working and living conditions of the soldiers.

characteristics

During the stage in which the parliamentary system was in force, the country enjoyed a certain political stability. Liberals and conservatives alternated in power, emerging from their ranks presidents such as Jorge Montt, Germán Riesco, Ramón Barrón and Arturo Alessandri, among others.

Society during the parliamentary term

Chilean society during this period was clearly divided into three groups. At the top of the social pyramid was the oligarchy, with the middle class below. Finally, there was a lower class with little purchasing power and few labor rights.

Ministerial Rotary

Since the founders of parliamentarism in Chile decided not to repeal the Constitution of 1833, which was markedly presidential, it was necessary to give it a different interpretation. The solution was the so-called ministerial rotation, which gave Congress the power to dissolve the government.

With this presidential rotating, each ministerial cabinet was made up of the majority party in the Chamber.

However, the negative aspect that this practice brought with it was the difficulty of passing laws. Cabinets of ministers used to last a very short time, just a few months, so it was very difficult for them to approve their projects.

Appearance of new actors

Despite the approval of the first worker-friendly legislation during the early years of the 20th century, the living conditions of the popular classes continued to be very bad.

This led to the appearance of several left-wing political organizations, from some with anarchist ideology to the Socialist Workers Party.

Government of Arturo Alessandri

The crisis of parliamentarism began to be noticed from approximately 1910. A decade later, the 1920 elections brought Arturo Alessandri Palma to power.

This politician had based his campaign on promises to improve the conditions of the popular and middle classes. Thanks to the support he obtained in these sectors, he managed to defeat his opponent.

Once in the presidency, Alessandri tried to fulfill the promises made. Thus, he drew up a series of proposals to modernize labor and social legislation. Despite this, the Congress, dominated by the political oligarchy, did not want to pass the new laws.

Consequences

The political environment in the country continued to deteriorate during the following years. Finally, in September 1924, there was the so-called Saber Rumble, when a group of soldiers forcibly forced Congress to approve a series of laws already presented but paralyzed by the Chamber itself.

The coup plotters created a Military Junta to govern the country. Alessandri went into exile and Congress was dissolved.

military government

The military appointed General Luis Altamirano as the highest authority in the country, who remained in office until January 1925.

Finally, the Governing Board requested Alessandri, in March of that year, to return to finish the term that had been interrupted.

Return of Alessandri and new Constitution

Alessandri's return to the presidency was marked by the preparation and approval of a new Constitution. This reinforced the role of the government vis-à-vis parliament, which is why it is considered the end of parliamentarism in the country. In addition, the new Magna Carta consecrated the definitive separation between the State and the Church.

In other fields, during this mandate the Central Bank was founded, in addition to reforming fiscal regulations.

In general, Alessandri's presidential legislature garnered considerable support in society. However, the military were not on his side and pressed until his resignation was achieved. The presidency then went to Colonel Carlos Ibáñez del Campo.

References

1. Chilean Memory. The parliamentary republic (1891-1925). Obtained from memoriachilena.gob.cl
2. Vi-Educational. Parliamentarism in Chile. Obtained from vi-e.cl
3. Library of the National Congress of Chile. Period 1891-1925. Obtained from bcn.cl
4. US Library of Congress. Parliamentary Republic, 1891-1925. Recovered from countrystudies.us
5. This is Chile. History. Obtained from thisischile.cl
6. Buchot, Emmanuel. Chile in 20th century: Civil war and a parliamentary republic. Retrieved from voyagesphotosmanu.com
7. The Biography. Biography of Arturo Alessandri Palma (1868-1950). Retrieved from thebiography.us