🇨🇱 Chile — Friday, April 10, 2026
Highlights through the eyes of a long-term local resident.
Published — Apr 12, 5:13 AM (local) · Apr 12, 9:13 AM (UTC)
Editor · A mining industry entrepreneur based in Santiago for 3 years
Santiago
fog
Rain 0%
UV 6
A low-pressure system is bringing localized rain to the central zone today, affecting the Metropolitan, Valparaíso, and O'Higgins regions.
Minister assaulted at Universidad Austral
Science Minister Ximena Lincolao was held under siege for three hours by students at the Universidad Austral in Valdivia on April 8. Lincolao, who identifies as Mapuche, reported being subjected to racist insults during the ordeal. The government is now considering expanding the 'Protected Schools' program to universities, with 70% of those surveyed in the latest Cadem poll supporting the measure.
Editor's note
It is beyond depressing to see this level of hostility normalized on our campuses. Regardless of your political stripe, trapping a cabinet member and throwing racist slurs is a line that shouldn't be crossed. If you're near university hubs in Valdivia or Santiago, expect heightened tensions for the next few days.
Paso Los Libertadores to close
Authorities have announced that the Los Libertadores mountain pass will shut down this Friday, April 10, following the midday hour. The closure is precautionary due to unstable weather and expected snowfall on the Argentine side of the Andes.
Editor's note
Standard procedure for this time of year, but it always plays havoc with logistics. If you were planning a border run or moving cargo, push it to next week. The mountain weather is rarely worth the risk of being stuck in a tunnel for ten hours.
Risk levels dip as oil tensions ease
Chile's country risk has returned to its lowest level since early March. Analysts attribute this improvement primarily to the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which has provided a glimmer of stability in the global energy market despite the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Editor's note
It's a relief for our mining interests to see these volatility metrics cooling off, but don't hold your breath for a total recovery. Energy costs remain a massive headache for transport and logistics firms across the country.
Kast government faces 54% disapproval
Nearly a month into his administration, President Kast's disapproval rating has hit 54%, according to the latest Cadem survey. This marks a 20-point increase in disapproval since he assumed office, with his current support sitting at 41%.
Editor's note
The honeymoon period was clearly short-lived. Between the push for a 'National Reconstruction' reform and the ongoing security issues at universities, the administration is clearly struggling to keep the narrative focused.
New dining space opens at Cenco Costanera
Cenco Costanera is inaugurating 'Qinto' today, a new 25,000-square-meter space featuring 58 different restaurants. The project aims to revitalize the mall's food and leisure offering.
Editor's note
If you're stuck in Providencia and it's raining, I suppose 58 new options for a long lunch isn't the worst way to spend a Friday. Just be prepared for the typical Costanera traffic mess.
Reference Media: La Tercera