La Primera Línea en el movimiento social del 2019-2021

Abstract

This master's thesis is a study of the action of the Primera Linea (Front Line) in the context of the social outbreak that began as student protests against the increase in subway fares in Chile. On October 18, 2019, there were massive, organized demonstrations of student protesters inside the Santiago metro which resulted in various incidents from dodging fares to widespread vandalism, and eventually metro stations burnt down1. When the government reacted with violence and repression, the citizens responded with massive demonstrations in the capital, and the Chilean social movement was born (which has proved to be a tipping point in Chilean history). The protest resulted in large marches, looting of supermarkets, fires, and violent clashes with the police. International organizations have denounced the actions of the Chilean police, accusing them of ”serious violations of human rights”2. This study examines the emergence of the Primera Línea in the context of the social uprising starting on October 18, 2019. Members of The Primera Línea are the people that participate in the direct and violent confrontation with the police forces in the protests against the government. This thesis uses qualitative research that starts with case studies based upon the interviews of participants of the Primera Línea and proceeds to use observational analysis of the situations experienced on the ground. Thus, participant observation and oral testimonies are the main sources used to study the action of the Primera Línea. These events were observed in the field during the massive demonstrations that took place in Santiago between 2019-2021. These observations combined with the personal testimonies of the interviewees are the main foundation for this analysis. The research shows how they are organized and what forms of protest they have, that is, what happens during a protest event, and how the violent clashes between the Primera Linea and the police forces occur. The non-hierarchical relationships within the Primera Línea and the roles that are then assumed are also explored. We have also identified who the actors are that make up the Primera Línea, their historical evolution, why they participate in the la Primera Línea, and how they interpret that participation.