Where it took place
| Type | Place |
|---|---|
| Region | Latin America |
| Country | Chile |
Campaign at a glance
In January 2011, citizens of Chile’s Magellan region, led by the Asamblea Ciudadana de Magallanes and supported by the Agrupación Nacional de Empleados Fiscales (ANEF), protested a proposed 17% increase in natural gas prices [source: nv-database]. They blockaded roads, marched, and occupied barricades, causing economic disruption and stranding tourists. After negotiations mediated by church leaders, the government agreed to a 3% increase and reimbursements for low-income families, and the Energy Minister resigned [source: nv-database].
Tactics used
- boycotts and strikes
- nonviolent direct action
- civil-resistance
- coalition building
- framing and narrative
- methods-of-nonviolent-action
Background
Natural gas is essential for heating in Chile’s southern Patagonia region, where the government subsidized up to 85% of costs due to high living expenses [source: nv-database]. On 29 December 2010, ENAP announced a 17% price increase backed by Energy Minister Ricardo Raineri, prompting public outcry and threats of a blockade by the Asamblea Ciudadana de Magallanes and ANEF [source: nv-database].
What happened
On 11 January 2011, citizens in Punta Arenas began marching and erecting barricades. [source: nv-database] A motorist rammed a barricade, killing two girls and injuring a toddler, which escalated the protests [source: nv-database]. By 12 January, blockades extended to all major towns and border crossings, stranding about 3000 tourists and disrupting the economy [source: nv-database]. The Red Cross, with Chilean Army buses and LAN airplanes, evacuated tourists and supplied food and medical aid [source: nv-database]. Interior Minister Laurence Golborne traveled to Punta Arenas, and on 18 January, church leaders mediated negotiations between Golborne, local officials, and the Asamblea Ciudadana de Magallanes [source: nv-database]. The government agreed to a 3% increase instead of 17% and to reimburse low-income families so they faced no increase [source: nv-database]. Hours later, Golborne announced the deal on local radio, and Energy Minister Raineri was forced to resign [source: nv-database].
Key people & organizations
- Asamblea Ciudadana de Magallanes
- Agrupación Nacional de Empleados Fiscales (ANEF)
- ENAP
- Ricardo Raineri
- Laurence Golborne
- The Church
Outcome
Verdict: won.
The campaign achieved 5 out of 6 specific demands, including a reduced price increase and reimbursement for low-income families, and led to the resignation of the Energy Minister. The government’s concession and the survival of the movement indicate a clear victory. [source: nv-database]
Lessons
- Economic blockades can effectively pressure governments by disrupting key industries like tourism.
- Tragic incidents can galvanize public support and escalate a campaign.
- Involving neutral mediators, such as church leaders, can facilitate successful negotiations.
Sources
- Global Nonviolent Action Database —
nv-database
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Rewritten: 2026-07-04 via
worker_casestudies_v2.py