Chile Socialist Party asks top leaders to pen reflections on party direction

The Socialist Party of Chile (PS) has invited a slate of prominent political figures to submit brief essays—no longer than five pages—on the meaning of socialism and the party’s role in today’s political landscape. The call, issued by acting secretary‑general Arturo Barrios, includes former president Gabriel Boric, former president and UN secretary‑general candidate Michelle Bachelet, former minister Jeannette Jara, former interior minister Carolina Tohá, former Christian Democratic senator Ignacio Walker, among others. Their contributions are intended to inform a party‑wide conference led by Senator Paulina Vodanović that seeks to update the PS’s fundamental principles after a recent internal crisis.

The process also gathers input from historic socialist thinkers such as Manuel Antonio Garretón and former minister Osvaldo Andrade, who noted that the conference has established two interaction mechanisms and has already held communal meetings across the country. Barrios said the invitations have been well received and that contributors have several weeks to prepare their reflections.