In the vibrant heart of Santiago’s diverse Recoleta district, a remarkable story of radical municipalism unfolded under the leadership of Daniel Jadue. As a former activist mayor, Jadue implemented a series of groundbreaking reforms that transformed the way local government served the needs of the community. Sadly, Jadue’s visionary initiatives have come under attack, leading to his unjust incarceration. Yet, his spirit of solidarity and commitment to grassroots democracy continue to inspire a global movement.
Recoleta’s Radical Municipalist Reforms
During his tenure as mayor of Recoleta, Daniel Jadue spearheaded a remarkable series of initiatives that sought to empower the people and reclaim control over essential public services. At the core of his vision was the establishment of the Universidad Abierta de Recoleta (UAR) – the People’s University of Recoleta.
Rodrigo Hurtado, the Executive Director of UAR, explains that this institution was created to provide accessible, high-quality education to the community. “Jadue understood that true empowerment comes through knowledge,” Hurtado shares. “The People’s University offered a wide range of courses, from technical skills to humanities, all available at little or no cost to the residents of Recoleta.”
Alongside the People’s University, Jadue’s administration also set up a network of community libraries and pharmacies that sold medications at cost. “These initiatives were designed to address the pressing needs of the immigrant and working-class communities in Recoleta,” says Fares Jadue, a former Director of Community Development in the district. “By providing affordable access to education, healthcare, and essential resources, we aimed to create a more equitable and resilient local ecosystem.”
Grassroots Solidarity and the People’s Health Movement
Jadue’s focus on community-driven solutions extended to the realm of public health. David, a member of the People’s Health Movement, explains that Jadue’s administration collaborated closely with grassroots organizations to develop innovative approaches to healthcare. “The People’s Pharmacies, for instance, not only provided low-cost medications, but also served as hubs for health education and preventive care,” he notes.
This commitment to holistic, community-centered healthcare aligned with the principles of the People’s Health Movement, a global network of activists and practitioners dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health. “Jadue understood that true health equity requires addressing the underlying social, economic, and political factors that shape people’s wellbeing,” David elaborates. “His administration’s efforts to empower the community and challenge the profit-driven model of healthcare were truly inspiring.”
Barcelona en Comú and the Fearless Cities Network
Jadue’s municipalist vision found kindred spirits in the Fearless Cities network, a global movement of cities and communities that have embraced progressive, bottom-up approaches to governance. Lucia Morale, an advisor to the Spanish Minister of Culture and a member of the Barcelona en Comú political platform, explains the significance of Jadue’s work within this broader context.
“What Jadue achieved in Recoleta was part of a larger global trend of cities and communities reclaiming control over their own futures,” Morale says. “From Barcelona to Recoleta, we’ve seen a surge of grassroots initiatives that challenge the status quo and put power back into the hands of the people.”
Morale highlights the parallels between Jadue’s efforts and the work of Barcelona en Comú, the political platform that has led the city of Barcelona towards more participatory and inclusive governance. “Both Jadue and Barcelona en Comú recognized that true change can only happen when we empower local communities to shape their own destinies,” she notes.
Unjust Detention and the Global Solidarity Campaign
Tragically, Jadue’s visionary work has been met with fierce opposition from right-wing forces, leading to his incarceration in June 2024. “The right-wing attack on Jadue’s people’s pharmacies was a blatant attempt to undermine his radical municipalist agenda,” explains Gianpaolo Baiocchi, a professor at New York University and a founding director of the Urban Democracy Lab.
Baiocchi emphasizes the importance of the global solidarity campaign that has emerged in response to Jadue’s unjust detention. “From the Corbyn project to the Municipalism Learning Series, activists and organizations around the world have rallied to support Jadue and the principles he represents,” he says. “This teach-in is part of that broader effort to bring attention to his case and to mobilize the global municipalist movement behind his fight for freedom.”
Romina Green Rioja, an assistant professor at Washington and Lee University, echoes the significance of this solidarity campaign. “Jadue’s story is not just about one individual, but about the broader struggle for a more just, equitable, and democratic future,” she explains. “By standing in solidarity with Jadue, we’re standing up for the rights of all communities to take control of their own destiny.”
Celebrating Andean Roots and Cultural Resilience
As part of the teach-in, the organizers have invited the renowned Andean singer Carmen Lienqueo to share her powerful musical talents. Lienqueo’s work is deeply rooted in the traditions and rhythms of her native South America, serving as a powerful expression of cultural resilience and community.
“Lienqueo’s music is a reflection of the diverse and vibrant cultures that shape the lives of people like those in Recoleta,” says Baiocchi. “Her performance will not only provide a beautiful artistic experience, but also serve as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that Jadue’s initiatives sought to celebrate and uplift.”
A Call to Action: Joining the Global Municipalist Movement
The teach-in on Daniel Jadue is more than just an educational event; it is a rallying cry for the global municipalist movement. By shining a light on Jadue’s story and the principles he championed, the organizers hope to inspire a new wave of grassroots activism and community-driven change.
“Jadue’s vision for Recoleta was not just about improving local services or infrastructure,” Baiocchi reflects. “It was about fundamentally redefining the relationship between citizens and their government, and empowering communities to take control of their own destiny. That is a vision that resonates far beyond the borders of Chile.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of our time – from the climate crisis to rising inequality – the lessons of Recoleta and the work of Daniel Jadue offer a powerful blueprint for a more just, sustainable, and democratic future. By joining the global solidarity campaign and supporting the municipalist movement, we can all play a role in building the kind of world we want to see.
“The fight for Jadue’s freedom is not just about one individual, but about the collective struggle for a better world,” Green Rioja concludes. “By standing in solidarity with Jadue and the people of Recoleta, we are taking a stand for the values of community, equity, and grassroots democracy that are so desperately needed in these turbulent times.”
