Chilean president reverses public transport fare hike that sparked protests

Sebastian Pinera said he had listened 'with humility' to 'the voice of my compatriots'

Firemen work to put out fire at a supermarket during a protest against the government in Valparaiso, Chile. Reuters

Chilean president Sebastian Pinera on Saturday announced he would reverse public transport fare hikes that had caused widespread protests in the country.

Mr Pinera said in a national address broadcast from the presidential palace in Santiago that he had listened "with humility" to "the voice of my compatriots" and to discontent over the cost of living in one of Latin America's wealthiest and most unequal nations.

Earlier, Mr Pinera announced a state of emergency as clashes with police in the capital continued and spread to other Chilean cities.

Authorities called a curfew in the Chilean capital, which would begin at 10pm local time.

"Having analysed the situation and the appalling actions that occurred today, I have made the decision to suspend freedoms and movement through a total curfew," said Army General Javier Iturriaga, who is overseeing security in Santiago.