History of Gabriel Boric in Timeline
Gabriel Boric Font is a Chilean politician who has served as the president of Chile since March 11, 2022. Prior to his presidency, he held the position of deputy in the Chamber of Deputies for two four-year terms.
1908: Birth of Luis Boric Crnosija
Gabriel Boric's grandfather, Luis Boric Crnosija, was born in 1908. He was one of ten children born to Juan Boric and Natalia Crnosija in Magallanes.
1967: Boric Considers Israeli Occupation Beyond 1967 Borders Illegal
Boric's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict includes his view that Israel's occupation of territories beyond the 1967 borders violates international law.
1978: Chile-Bolivia Diplomatic Relations Severed
Diplomatic relations between Chile and Bolivia were severed in 1978. This event would later be relevant to Boric's foreign policy goals as president.
1980: Roque Esteban Scarpa wins Chilean National Prize for Literature
In 1980, Gabriel Boric's granduncle, Roque Esteban Scarpa, won the Chilean National Prize for Literature.
February 1986: Birth of Gabriel Boric
Gabriel Boric was born in February 1986 in Punta Arenas, Chile.
1986: Birth of Gabriel Boric
Gabriel Boric was born in Punta Arenas, Chile, in 1986. He has two brothers: Simón and Tomás.
1990: Historic Approval Rating Decline
Since 1990, Boric's approval rating experienced the sharpest decline for a Chilean president in their first 100 days.
1999: Boric helps re-establish the Federation of Secondary School Students of Punta Arenas
Between 1999 and 2000, Gabriel Boric played an active role in re-establishing the Federation of Secondary School Students of Punta Arenas.
2000: Boric helps re-establish the Federation of Secondary School Students of Punta Arenas
Between 1999 and 2000, Gabriel Boric played an active role in re-establishing the Federation of Secondary School Students of Punta Arenas.
2004: Boric moves to Santiago to study law
Gabriel Boric moved to Santiago in 2004 to attend law school at the University of Chile.
2008: Boric serves as advisor to the Students' Union of the Law Department
In 2008, Gabriel Boric became an advisor to the Students' Union of the Law Department at the University of Chile.
2009: Boric becomes President of the Students' Union of the Law Department
In 2009, Gabriel Boric became President of the Students' Union of the Law Department, where he had served as an advisor the previous year.
2009: Boric completes coursework, becomes Law School students' union president
In 2009, Gabriel Boric completed his law coursework and was elected President of the Law School students' union at the University of Chile.
2010: Boric serves as university senator
Gabriel Boric served as a university senator from 2010 to 2012, representing students.
December 2011: Boric elected president of the University of Chile Student Federation
Gabriel Boric was elected president of the University of Chile Student Federation (FECh) in December 2011.
2011: Boric chooses not to retake the bar exam
Gabriel Boric decided not to retake the bar exam in 2011 after not passing and opted not to pursue a career as a lawyer, expressing aspirations to be a writer instead.
2011: Boric's prominence as a student leader
In 2011, Gabriel Boric rose to political prominence as a student leader during the Chilean student protests while studying at the University of Chile. He was elected president of the student federation.
2012: Boric becomes a leading voice in the student protests
As president of the FECh, Gabriel Boric became a prominent figure in the student protests, acting as a key spokesperson for the Federation of Chilean Students in 2012.
2012: Boric serves as university senator
Gabriel Boric served as a university senator from 2010 to 2012, representing students.
2012: Recognition as a young leader
In 2012, Gabriel Boric was recognized as one of the 100 young leaders of Chile by El Sábado magazine, further solidifying his growing influence.
2013: Boric Runs for Deputy of District 60
Boric participated in the 2013 parliamentary elections as a candidate for deputy of District 60, which includes areas like Río Verde, Punta Arenas, and Torres del Paine.
2013: First run for office
Gabriel Boric ran for office for the first time in 2013, participating in the parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.
2013: Boric wins election as an independent candidate
Gabriel Boric won the 2013 parliamentary election as an independent candidate, representing District 60 (now District 28) in the Region of Magallanes and the Chilean Antarctic.
2013: Boric receives increased votes compared to previous election
In the 2017 election, Boric garnered more votes than he did in the 2013 election, highlighting his growing support.
March 2014: Boric sworn in as member of the Chamber of Deputies
Gabriel Boric was officially sworn in as a member of the Chamber of Deputies on March 2014 after his electoral victory.
2014: Elected to the Chamber of Deputies
Gabriel Boric was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2014, representing the Magallanes and Antártica district.
2014: Boric's Attire Sparks Controversy in Chilean Congress
In 2014, Boric's casual attire in Congress, including not wearing a tie or formal jacket, led to a public complaint from a right-wing deputy, highlighting the scrutiny he faced for his appearance and style.
2016: Boric Defends Probation Program for Convicts
In 2016, Boric defended a probation program for convicts in Valparaíso to ease overcrowding in prisons, criticizing those who opposed such measures.
2016: Autonomous Left disbands, Boric forms Autonomist Movement
In 2016, the Autonomous Left disbanded. Boric, advocating for a more institutional approach, formed the Autonomist Movement.
January 2017: Formation of the Chilean Broad Front
In January 2017, Gabriel Boric's Autonomist Movement and other parties, including Jackson's Democratic Revolution, came together to form the Chilean Broad Front (Frente Amplio).
2017: Boric Runs for Deputy of District 28
Boric participated in the 2017 parliamentary elections, again running for the position of deputy, this time for District 28, which covers similar areas as his previous candidacy.
2017: Boric re-elected to the Chamber of Deputies
Gabriel Boric was re-elected to the Chamber of Deputies in the 2017 general election, running as an independent candidate backed by the Humanist Party.
2017: Joins the Broad Front coalition
In 2017, Gabriel Boric joined the Broad Front coalition and ran for re-election to the Chamber of Deputies.
2017: The Broad Front's Performance in the 2017 Elections
In 2017, the Broad Front demonstrated a commendable performance in the Chilean elections, securing its position as the third largest political force.
2018: Founds the Social Convergence party
Gabriel Boric founded the Social Convergence party, one of the parties that make up the Broad Front, in 2018.
2018: Boric Takes Leave from Congress for Mental Health
In 2018, Boric took a leave of absence from Congress after being hospitalized due to his struggles with obsessive–compulsive disorder, a condition he was diagnosed with as a child.
2018: Formation of Social Convergence
In 2018, the Autonomist Movement, the Libertarian Left, and other smaller movements merged to establish a new political party called Social Convergence.
October 2019: Grace Pensions for Protest Victims
Boric's administration established grace pensions for those who suffered human rights violations in the 2019-2020 protests, beginning in October 2019.
October 2019: Estallido Social: Protests Erupt in Chile
In October 2019, Chile experienced its most significant civil unrest since the end of the military dictatorship, triggered by an increase in Santiago's transport system tariffs. The protests, known as the Estallido Social, rapidly spread throughout the capital and other major cities. Demonstrators voiced their grievances over various issues, including the high cost of living, corruption, and inequality.
November 2019: Agreement for Social Peace and the New Constitution
In November 2019, in response to the ongoing protests, an agreement was reached to establish a Constitutional Convention to draft a new constitution for Chile. This "Agreement for Social Peace and the New Constitution" was signed by leaders of various political parties, though it faced opposition from some groups.
2019: Boric and Karamanos' Relationship Begins
Gabriel Boric and anthropologist and sociologist Irina Karamanos began their relationship in 2019.
2019: Boric Calls Israel "Genocidal and Murderous"
In 2019, after receiving a gift from the Jewish Community of Chile, Boric sparked controversy by tweeting his call for Israel to return occupied Palestinian territories. He labeled Israel a "genocidal and murderous state" but denied accusations of antisemitism.
2019: Role in the civil unrest
In 2019, during the civil unrest in Chile, Gabriel Boric played a significant role in navigating the political landscape and contributing to the dialogue.
June 2020: Concerns Raised Over Grace Pensions
By June 2020, concerns were raised regarding the grace pensions for protest victims, with uncertainty existing about their compatibility with disability pensions and if they were given to those whose trials had not yet concluded.
October 2020: Role in the constitutional referendum
Gabriel Boric played a key role in negotiating the agreement that paved the way for the constitutional referendum held in October 2020.
October 2020: Constitutional Referendum in Chile
In October 2020, a referendum was held in Chile, with a significant majority (78%) of voters supporting the drafting of a new constitution. This result further fueled discussions about forming a united opposition for future elections.
May 2021: Formation of Apruebo Dignidad
In May 2021, in preparation for upcoming elections, the Broad Front and Chile Digno, an alliance led by the Communist Party, formed a joint list called Apruebo Dignidad. This coalition aimed to present a united front and address the calls for change that had emerged during the protests and referendum.
July 2021: Boric Wins Apruebo Dignidad Primary Election
Gabriel Boric emerged victorious in the Apruebo Dignidad primary election held in July 2021, securing a significant victory and becoming the coalition's candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
July 2021: Beginning of the Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention, tasked with drafting a new constitution, commenced its work in July 2021 during the final months of President Sebastián Piñera's term.
October 2021: Boric Introduces Bill to Ban Products from Israeli Settlements
In October 2021, Boric and other Chilean deputies introduced a bill to ban the import of products originating from Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. This action reflects Boric's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
November 2021: Apruebo Dignidad's Success and General Election
In November 2021, the Apruebo Dignidad coalition participated in the general election. They became the second largest bloc in the Constitutional Convention and saw increased support in local and regional elections, establishing themselves as a strong contender for the future.
November 2021: First Round of Presidential Election
The first round of the Chilean presidential election took place in November 2021. Gabriel Boric secured a place in the second round, setting the stage for a runoff against José Antonio Kast.
December 2021: Boric Elected President, Criticizes Bolsonaro
In December 2021, Gabriel Boric was elected president of Chile. During this time, he criticized Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's stance on the crimes of Brazil's military dictatorship (1964-1985), calling him a "danger to the environment and humanity."
December 2021: Boric wins Chilean presidential election
In December 2021, Gabriel Boric won the Chilean presidential election, defeating José Antonio Kast in the second round with 55.9% of the vote.
2021: Boric Criticizes Penal Populism
During the 2021 Apruebo Dignidad primaries, Boric reiterated his criticism of penal populism, arguing its ineffectiveness in providing solutions.
2021: Boric Pledges to Dismantle Neoliberalism
During the 2021 election, Boric pledged to dismantle Chile's neoliberal economic model, stating his belief that "if Chile was the cradle of neoliberalism, it will also be its grave." In recent years, he acknowledged both successes and failures of the model.
2021: Boric Condemns Nicaraguan Election and Venezuelan Crisis
In 2021, Boric criticized the Nicaraguan general election, deeming it fraudulent, and called out the Venezuelan government, referring to it as a failed example.
2021: Boric Pledges Restrictions on Forestry Companies
In 2021, Boric pledged to implement restrictions on large forestry companies during his term.
January 2022: Boric Announces Diverse and Gender-Balanced Cabinet
In January 2022, President-elect Gabriel Boric announced his cabinet, notable for its diversity and gender balance. The cabinet included a majority of women and marked a historic moment with the appointment of the first openly LGBT ministers in Chile's history.
January 2022: Bolsonaro Snubs Boric's Inauguration
In January 2022, following Boric's criticisms, Brazilian President Bolsonaro announced he would not attend Boric's inauguration, demonstrating a cold attitude towards the newly elected Chilean president.
January 2022: Positive Market Response to Finance Minister Appointment
The appointment of Mario Marcel as Finance Minister in January 2022 was well-received by the Santiago Stock Exchange, indicating confidence in his economic leadership.
March 2022: Boric's Inauguration as President of Chile
Gabriel Boric was inaugurated as the President of Chile in March 2022.
March 2022: Gabriel Boric assumes Chilean presidency
On March 2022, Gabriel Boric was sworn in as the President of Chile, marking the beginning of his term.
April 2022: Presidential Trip to Argentina
In April 2022, Boric went on his first presidential trip to Argentina to meet with President Alberto Fernández. During the trip, he stressed the importance of resolving territorial disputes, strengthening the countries' relationship, and supporting Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands.
April 2022: Boric Announces Economic Recovery Plan
In April 2022, in response to high inflation, Boric announced a $3.7 billion economic recovery plan that included a minimum wage increase.
May 2022: Boric Voices Concerns Over Forestry Industry
Boric expressed his concerns about Chile's forestry industry in a May 2022 interview on Televisión Nacional de Chile, criticizing the impact of plantations on indigenous communities.
May 2022: Deployment of Troops in the Mapuche Conflict
In May 2022, Boric made the decision to send troops to southern Chile in response to escalating violence related to the Mapuche conflict. This move sparked debate and criticism, as it marked a departure from Boric's previous stance against similar actions taken by his predecessor.
July 2022: Conclusion of the Constitutional Convention
After a year of work, the Constitutional Convention concluded its drafting of the proposed constitution in July 2022, four months into President Boric's term.
July 2022: Boric Presents Tax Reform Proposal
Boric presented his tax reform proposal to deputies in July 2022, which included a tax on large estates, mining, and measures to combat fraud.
August 2022: Inflation Rate Reaches 28-Year High
Chile's inflation rate spiked to a 28-year high of 14.1% in August 2022.
September 2022: Diplomatic Crisis with Israel
In September 2022, Boric refused to accept the credentials of the Israeli ambassador to Chile due to the deaths of children during the 2022 Gaza-Israel clashes, causing a diplomatic crisis.
September 2022: Rejection of the Proposed Constitution
In September 2022, a proposed constitution, developed over a year-long process, was put to a vote in Chile. It was rejected by a significant margin, with critics finding it too lengthy, left-leaning, and radical.
December 2022: Karamanos Dissolves Institutional Prerogatives of Chilean First Lady Role
Irina Karamanos, Boric's partner, assumed the role of First Lady in 2022 and actively worked to redefine the position. In December 2022, she successfully dissolved the institutional prerogatives associated with the role.
2022: Boric Condemns Russian Invasion of Ukraine
During his presidency in 2022, Boric strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling it an "unacceptable war of aggression." Chile, under his leadership, supported UN resolutions against the invasion and offered aid to Ukraine, but refrained from sending weapons.
2022: Boric Adopts More Moderate Stance
Following the failure of the 2022 constitutional proposal, Boric took a more moderate position, which drew criticism from some of his supporters.
2022: End of term in the Chamber of Deputies
Gabriel Boric's term as a deputy in the Chamber of Deputies ended in 2022.
2022: Persistent Low Approval Rating for Boric
Throughout 2022, Boric had consistently low approval ratings, remaining around 33%.
March 8, 2023: Tax Reform Debate Rejected
On March 8, 2023, the Chamber of Deputies rejected a motion to open debate on Boric's proposed tax reform, a significant setback for his administration.
May 2023: Boric's Approval Rating at 28%
By May 2023, Boric's approval rating was at 28%, with a disapproval rating of 66%.
June 2023: Fluctuations in Boric's Approval Rating
Boric's approval rating fluctuated in June 2023, going up to 41% after a State of the Nation address before falling back down to 28% following a scandal involving the Democracia Viva Foundation.
August 2023: Boric's Approval Rating Remains Low
Boric continued to experience low approval ratings, hovering around 30% in August 2023.
August 2023: Boric Restructures Cabinet Amid Challenges
Facing low approval ratings, public concerns about crime and inflation, and a corruption investigation, President Boric implemented a cabinet reshuffle in August 2023. This marked his third cabinet reorganization within a year and a half, reflecting the ongoing challenges and pressures of his presidency.
September 2023: Significant Decrease in Inflation
By September 2023, inflation saw a substantial decrease to 5.1% during Boric's leadership.
October 2023: Boric Criticizes Israeli Actions in Israel–Hamas War
During the Israel–Hamas war in October 2023, Boric stated that Israel's attacks "primarily" affected unarmed civilians, potentially constituting war crimes.
November 2023: Boric and Karamanos Announce End of Relationship
In November 2023, Gabriel Boric and Irina Karamanos announced the end of their relationship.
2023: Boric on Capitalism
Boric expressed his belief in a 2023 interview that capitalism is not the optimal solution for societal problems, but acknowledged the need for a viable alternative and strong public support to achieve change.
