Sebastián Piñera, a prominent figure in Chilean politics and a former president known for his contributions to strengthening the nation’s democracy, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in Chile on Tuesday at the age of 74. The government confirmed that the helicopter, carrying four individuals, crashed into Lake Ranco in the Los Ríos region shortly after takeoff, with three survivors swimming to shore and Mr. Piñera’s body being recovered by the Chilean Navy. While it remains unclear who was piloting the aircraft, Mr. Piñera was known to pilot his own helicopter.
As a billionaire businessman and investor, Sebastián Piñera served two terms as Chile’s president, first from 2010 to 2014 and then from 2018 to 2022. As a conservative leader, he implemented pro-business policies aimed at fostering economic growth, earning praise for positioning Chile as a beacon of stability and prosperity in Latin America. However, his tenure was marked by significant protests from residents who criticized his administration for neglecting the needs of the poor in one of the world’s most economically unequal nations, leading to low approval ratings upon leaving office.
In response to Mr. Piñera’s passing, President Gabriel Boric of Chile acknowledged his contributions to the nation, emphasizing his commitment to democracy and his efforts to pursue what he believed was best for the country. President Boric announced three days of national mourning in honor of Mr. Piñera’s legacy.
Sebastián Piñera’s presidency marked a significant milestone in Chilean politics, as he led the conservative movement to victory for the first time since the end of the military dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet in 1990. His election in 2010 signaled the resilience of Chile’s democracy, demonstrating its strength and maturity after two decades of leftist rule following the dictatorship. Robert Funk, a political science professor at the University of Chile, emphasized Mr. Piñera’s role in shaping Chilean politics and his lasting impact on the nation’s democratic landscape.