Police and demonstrators engaged in clashes in Chile's capital, Santiago, on September 4, 2026, outside a summit of the far-right Madrid Forum. The controversial gathering featured addresses from prominent figures on the political right.

The Madrid Forum is an annual event organized by the conservative think tank Fundación Disenso, which aims to bring together politicians and intellectuals from across the Spanish-speaking world to discuss conservative and far-right ideologies. This year's event in Santiago drew significant attention due to the participation of Argentine President Javier Milei, a vocal proponent of libertarian and far-right ideas.

Details of the confrontation indicate that police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters who had gathered to voice their opposition to the forum and its attendees. The protesters, in turn, reportedly threw rocks and other objects at the security forces. The exact number of arrests or injuries was not immediately specified, but the unrest disrupted the area surrounding the venue.

The clashes highlight the deep political divisions present in Chile and the broader region, with the Madrid Forum serving as a focal point for dissent against the ideologies it promotes. The presence of Milei, who recently took office in Argentina, amplified the significance of the event and the protests against it.

Critics of the Madrid Forum and its participants often cite concerns about the potential impact of their policies on human rights, social equality, and democratic institutions. The forum's agenda typically includes discussions on topics such as national sovereignty, free markets, and traditional values, which are often viewed critically by progressive and left-leaning groups.

Argentina's President Javier Milei, a key speaker at the event, has previously expressed admiration for figures like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, and advocates for significant deregulation and a reduction in the size of the state. His participation in the Santiago forum underscores the growing influence of his political movement beyond Argentina's borders.

Security was a major concern for the organizers and local authorities, given the expected protests. The use of crowd control measures by the police suggests an attempt to prevent protesters from disrupting the forum or accessing the venue where high-profile political figures were present.

The events in Santiago raise questions about the reception of far-right political movements in Latin America and the ongoing dialogue, or lack thereof, between these movements and their opposition. The long-term impact of such forums on regional political discourse remains a subject of ongoing observation.