On 22 March, World Water Day, thousands of people marched in Santiago and many other cities across Chile, protesting the rollback of environmental protections by newly-elected president José Antonio Kast. His administration quickly halted 43 regulations introduced under former president Gabriel Boric, including measures safeguarding endangered species, creating national parks, regulating emissions, and addressing pollution. Protesters, organised by environmental groups, warned that these changes could deepen inequality, noting that around 1.4 million Chileans still lack access to safe drinking water. Critics argue the policy shift prioritises economic deregulation over environmental care, raising concerns about long-term ecological damage and public health. The demonstrations reflect growing unease about the country’s direction and the balance between development and stewardship of natural resources. The new president has also taken speedy action to start building a barrier between Chile and its northern neighbour Peru: see