Chile’s economy set for modest growth as new policies take shape

Chile’s government expects the economy to expand by just over 2% this year, despite pushing forward with spending cuts and reforms aimed at attracting more investment. The administration, led by a conservative team, insists on sticking to a 4% growth goal, but admits the path won’t be smooth. With global fuel prices rising due to conflicts like the Iran war, the government is trying to balance long-term economic plans with short-term challenges.To tighten spending, officials have already slashed nearly $2 billion from the budget in recent months. More cuts are likely in the second half of the year, raising questions about how much strain this will put on public services and daily life. The finance minister recently warned that the first year under these policies will be difficult, signaling that citizens and businesses may feel the pinch before seeing any benefits. Critics argue that while cutting costs might help stabilize finances, it could slow down economic activity in the short term. The government’s push for pro-investment reforms suggests it’s betting on private sector confidence to drive future growth. But with global oil prices unstable, even the best-laid plans could face unexpected hurdles.