This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Chile is bracing for a difficult economic year, with at least 20 people having died in demonstrations that began on October 18.
President Sebastian Pinera reshuffled his cabinet for the third time since assuming office in March 2018, appointing Briones as the new finance minister on Monday.
Despite Pinera's latest measures, including an increase in the minimum wage and pensions, public unrest shows no sign of abating.
Briones warned that the crisis would signify a 'very bad end of the year for the Chilean economy,' and that the expected growth of 2.5 percent would have to be revised.
He also stated that the 'new reality' would lead to a decrease in investment, citing the signals given out by the government.
As the new finance minister, Briones has been tasked with finding the resources to fund Pinera's social package aimed at calming protesters.
Published on October 29, 2019.
