Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Your Excellency, in response to Mr. Julian's question on globalization, you told us of the success stories in terms of addressing social inequalities between the rich and the poor. You referred to the 7 per cent, the richest 20 per cent of the population and the poorest 20 per cent and talked about the income gap. You're currently looking to establish social programs, programs which will further support the most disadvantaged in society, and help create a more level playing field.
An election was held recently in Chile. A right-wing government got in. So, there is huge pressure to slash social programs, notably health care programs. There's also a lot of pressure being felt here in that regard and talk of privatizing both the health care and education sectors. Despite an increase in collective wealth, a phenomenon due to multinational corporations, there is still much talk of privatization and there are fewer and fewer social programs.
Right-wing parties are forming governments in many places throughout the world. There are certain trends becoming apparent on the world stage, especially given globalization and the existence of a number of free trade agreements. There is some level of pressure being felt worldwide and the pendulum is swinging towards the right. I know that in Latin America, there are other trends being observed.
How does Chile deal on a daily basis with the pressure being brought to bear today on the health and education systems, and a tendency to slash social programs which would normally support the disadvantaged?