Another Role for the State in Chile: From Subsidiary to Promoter

Abstract

This article discusses two alternative views on the role of the State in the Chilean economy. On the one hand, the conservative view, which permits government actions "only when the private sector cannot do the job", and on the other, the "promoter" approach to the role of the State, which sees the government as a source of initiatives to encourage economic growth. The Chilean conservative policies on the size and role of the State are analyzed and the contents of an alternative program to define the challenges that future programs on the State will face in Chile are discussed.