Boric calls for self-criticism on the left, warns against 'reel politics'

Former Chilean President Gabriel Boric has called for a period of honest self-reflection and open debate within the left-wing and progressive movements. He stressed the urgent need to move beyond the superficiality of social media engagement and confront the movement's recent electoral setbacks, including a "categorical defeat" in the September 2022 plebiscite and subsequent presidential and parliamentary elections.

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I am convinced that from the left, always, but particularly after a defeat as categorical as the one suffered in the plebiscite of September 4, 2022, and in the last presidential and parliamentary elections, we have the duty to reflect on our own actions and convictions.

Boric stated that such introspection is not optional but a duty, particularly after significant electoral losses. He believes this process should occur both privately and publicly, involving listening, reading, debating, and developing new ideas. This includes identifying and correcting mistakes, defending successes, revising dogmas, reaffirming principles, and exploring novel concepts. He emphasized that this is essential for regaining majority support, even if the process isn't "pop."

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In these times that is difficult, because many tell you that communication today consists of the fight for attention, more than for slow reflection and that, therefore, a reel with some type of performance or a very grandiloquent phrase that stirs things up, or shouting at someone to make a point, is more profitable.

The former president also sharply criticized what he termed "reel politics" – the modern trend in political communication that favors conflict and virality over thoughtful discourse. He observed that many believe success now hinges on capturing attention through performative content or inflammatory statements rather than measured reflection. Boric warned against canceling deeper debates for fear of public reaction or the inability to make them go viral, labeling such caution a "grave error."

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Yielding to this and consequently canceling a deeper debate of ideas for fear of what they will say, or because it is not possible to make it viral is a grave error.

Addressing the common fear within political coalitions that self-criticism might be exploited by opponents, Boric argued that strategic silence is ultimately detrimental to the progressive project. He urged his political allies to continue asking "uncomfortable questions" and to prioritize grassroots organizing over digital metrics, suggesting that a reconnection with the base is crucial for future success.

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This process may not be pop, but it is essential if we want to be the majority again.