Chilean government lifts curfew in face of ongoing protests

Santiago de Chile, October 21 (RHC)-- Military authorities in charge of security in Santiago de Chile have, for now, lifted the curfew in the metropolitan region of Santiago, which suspends the freedom of movement and assembly, following protests ignited by the transport fare hike which has now been canceled by the government. 

At least three people died after a supermarket in the Chilean capital Santiago was set on fire by demonstrators, while many flights into the city's airport were suspended.

Santiago and other Chilean cities have been engulfed by several days of rioting as protests over an increase in public transport costs prompted President Sebastian Pinera to declare a state of emergency.

The subway fare protests also reflect overall public resentment against right-wing President Piñera and his administration that announced last year it was setting out to cut government expenditures by as much as $500 million over four years.

A recent survey by Cadem Chile revealed that 53 percent of Chileans disapprove of Piñera's management of the government and 73 percent believe that the country's economy is stagnant or falling.