Boric's Unexpected Praise: Acknowledging Piñera's Pandemic Response

Chilean President Boric Acknowledges Piñera's Pandemic Response in State of the Union Address On June 1st, 2025, during his fourth State of the Union address, Chilean President Gabriel Boric made a surprising acknowledgment of the previous government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The speech, delivered in Santiago, Chile, offered a contrasting tone to previous political rhetoric, highlighting the challenges faced during the pandemic. "Quiero reconocer la gestión del gobierno anterior en el difícil manejo de la pandemia," Boric stated, translating to "I want to acknowledge the management of the previous government in the difficult handling of the pandemic." This statement was met with a mix of surprise and applause from the assembled Congress. Boric's acknowledgment extended beyond a general statement, focusing on the dedication of healthcare workers. He specifically mentioned TENS (Technical-Level Nursing staff), announcing their permanent inclusion in the Sanitary Code. This move demonstrates a commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and recognizing the crucial role of healthcare workers. The video clip of the speech underscores the importance of this moment, capturing the emotional impact on the audience. The unexpected acknowledgment and subsequent policy changes signal a potential shift in political discourse and a focus on collaboration in addressing national challenges.