Chile pulls out of hosting APEC and COP 25 due to protests

Chile has pulled out of hosting two major international summits, including a UN climate change conference, as anti-government protests continue. President Sebastián Piñera said the decision had caused him pain but his government needed to prioritise re-establishing public order.

The decision to call off the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) planned for November and U.N. global climate gatherings (COP25) in December is said have dealt a blow to Chile’s image as a regional oasis of stability and economic



development.

The demonstrations were originally triggered by a now-suspended rise in the price of metro fares in the capital Santiago. However, protesters are now marching to express their discontent over a wide variety of problems ranging from inequality to the high cost of healthcare.

Opposition and pro-government parties in Chile generally welcomed the president’s decision, they say holding the summits was unrealistic given the circumstances.