Chile’s Missed Opportunity: The Case for a Conservative Constitution

Missed Opportunity in the Recent Chilean Referendum

In the recent Chilean referendum, a significant opportunity was missed. The rejection of a conservative constitution is a step back for a nation that could have significantly benefited from traditional values' stability and proven effectiveness. This unfairly maligned conventional draft offered a viable path toward a prosperous and stable future grounded in historical success and pragmatism.

The current constitution, a relic of the Pinochet era, undoubtedly needs updating. However, the conservative draft presented a balanced alternative to the previous, left-wing-dominated proposal, which was also rejected. The traditional text was not just a counter-reaction to its predecessor but a thoughtful compilation of market-friendly policies and respect for private property rights, pillars of successful economies worldwide.

Reinforcing Economic Foundations

A conservative constitution would have reinforced the importance of private property rights, a cornerstone of economic development and individual liberty. History has repeatedly shown that economies thrive where property rights are protected and respected. This approach encourages investment, entrepreneurship, and responsible stewardship of resources, leading to greater prosperity for all.

Additionally, the conservative draft proposed reasonable regulations on immigration and abortion, reflective of a society that values both its cultural heritage and the sanctity of life. These are not regressive policies but rather a commitment to maintaining social cohesion and protecting the most vulnerable in society. In a world where cultural identity and moral values are increasingly threatened, such measures counterbalance.

Moreover, a conservative constitution would have offered a stable framework for governance, avoiding the pitfalls of radical change and ensuring a gradual, orderly transition. It is important to remember that stability is vital to attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth. Investors seek predictable, secure environments, and a conservative framework provides precisely that.

Addressing Political Polarization

President Gabriel Boric's commitment to working for the people is commendable. However, it's essential to recognize that a conservative constitution aligns with the people's interests, especially in providing a stable, prosperous environment where individuals and businesses can flourish. Political polarization, which some voters lament, could have been mitigated by a constitution that emphasizes unity and shared values over division and radical change.

The rejection of the conservative draft reflects a broader misunderstanding of conservatism's role in modern governance. Far from being a relic of the past, conservative principles are dynamic and adaptable, capable of guiding nations through times of change while maintaining their core values. Chile's conservative constitution could have been a beacon of stability and progress in a region often characterized by political and economic volatility.

A Missed Opportunity for Chile's Future

In conclusion, Chile's decision to reject the conservative constitution is a missed opportunity to embrace a framework that has historically proven successful in fostering economic growth, social stability, and national unity. The traditional draft represented a middle ground between radical change and stagnation, offering a path that respects tradition while addressing contemporary challenges. It's a path that other nations have followed to great success and one that Chile, unfortunately, has chosen to ignore.

Also read: Chile's Crucial Vote on a New, More Conservative Constitution

The debate over Chile's constitutional future is far from over, and one hopes that the merits of a conservative approach will be given the consideration they deserve in future deliberations. Chile has the potential to be a leader in Latin America, but achieving this status requires a willingness to embrace policies and principles that have stood the test of time. A conservative constitution could have been a step in that direction, providing a foundation for a prosperous, stable, and unified Chile.