Protests that have gripped Chile's capital for nearly three weeks to demand better salaries and pensions, and a more equal distribution of the wealth, are shrinking in size.
Chileans calling for better social services have poured into downtown Santiago again, a day after violent clashes between police and demonstrators.
But Felipe Guevara, mayor of the Santiago metropolitan region, estimated that Tuesday's gathering drew just 2,000 to 2,500 people. The same square earlier hosted 1.2 million protesters.
Demonstrators use sheets of metal to shield themselves from a police water cannon during an anti-government protest in Santiago, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. Chileans have been taking to the streets and clashing with the police to demand better social services and an end to economic inequality, even as the government announced that weeks of demonstrations are hurting the country's economic growth. (AP PhotoEsteban Felix)
Small protests also occurred in other Chilean cities.
The unrest began 19 days ago over a hike to subway fares, but it has grown into a massive movement demanding a broad range of changes. Chile's center-right government has responded with a host of proposed social improvements, which must still be approved by Congress.
Police detain a demonstrator during an anti-government protest in Santiago, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. Chileans have been taking to the streets and clashing with the police to demand better social services and an end to economic inequality, even as the government announced that weeks of demonstrations are hurting the country's economic growth. (AP PhotoEsteban Felix)
A police officer aims his shotgun as he stands behind a tree during an anti-government protest in Santiago, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. Chileans have been taking to the streets and clashing with the police to demand better social services and an end to economic inequality, even as the government announced that weeks of demonstrations are hurting the country's economic growth. (AP PhotoEsteban Felix)