The premiere of the first episode of “Caja abierta,” a new collaborative program from Radio Duna and La Tercera, highlighted the urgent challenges facing Chile's social security system heading into 2026.
In a discussion held alongside Cajas de Chile A.G., the program addressed the pressing need to strengthen social protections in the face of shifting political and legislative landscapes, as reported by latercera.com.
Marcelo Forni, Chairman of the Board of Cajas de Chile A.G., noted that the country is grappling with a complex demographic transition, compounded by job insecurity and a deficit in the national treasury.
Forni emphasized the importance of compensation funds (cajas de compensación) as non-profit private institutions that supplement state benefits. He cited a CADEM survey in which 54% of Chileans expressed feeling unprotected by the current system.
“Last year, we conducted a survey with CADEM, and 54% of Chileans stated they do not feel protected by the system,” Forni explained during the program.
He also underscored the role these institutions play in providing social credit to individuals who lack access to traditional banking or are struggling with debt.
Legislative Agenda and Employment
During the “Box populi” segment, Deputies Luis Cuello (PC) and Fernando Ugarte (REP) analyzed the key issues set to define the 2026 parliamentary agenda.
Both lawmakers, members of the Labor and Social Security Commission, agreed on the urgent need to combat labor informality, which currently affects approximately 27% of the country's workforce.
The discussion also covered the implementation of Pension Reform, the strengthening of the Universal Guaranteed Pension (PGU), and the necessity of boosting employment, following an unemployment rate that has hovered around 8% for the past 38 months.
The legislators highlighted the importance of integrating savings mechanisms and financial education into social protection policies.
The second episode of the program will air on Saturday, April 25, on Radio Duna and on Monday, April 27, via La Tercera.
