SANTIAGO DE CHILE, Chile.- Thousands of people mobilized in Chile in support of a national strike convened by the Social Unity Bureau, as part of the broad protest movement that shakes the country.

The march took place throughout the day peacefully, although on their way in front of the Palace of La Moneda some protesters began throwing stones at Carabinieri’s troops who, for no apparent reason, threw jets of water at the participants in the demonstration.

Government Spokesman Minister Karla Rubilar acknowledged the peaceful development of the protest, although she disqualified the national strike on the grounds that it is not the best way to express popular claims.

However, leaders called the strike a success, which was convened by nearly a hundred trade union, professional, student and social organizations, and which included virtually every economic sector in Chile.