Cristián Labbé Galilea
Cristián Labbé | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor of Providencia | |
| In office 6 December 1996 – 6 December 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Carmen Grez |
| Succeeded by | Josefa Errázuriz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 March 1948 Santiago, Chile |
| Political party | Independent Democratic Union |
| Spouse | Isabel Margarita Martínez |
| Children | Seven (including Cristián Labbé Martínez) |
| Alma mater |
|
| Profession | Military officer, academic, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Chile |
| Branch/service | |
| Years of service | 1966–1991 |
| Rank | Colonel |
Cristián Labbé Galilea (born 6 March 1948) is a Chilean retired army officer, academic, and politician. He served as the mayor of Providencia, a commune of Santiago, from 1996 to 2012.
A former member of the Independent Democratic Union (UDI), he is known for his staunch anti-communist stance and for being one of the most visible defenders of the Augusto Pinochet military regime.[1][2][3]
Military and academic career
Labbé studied at the Bernardo O'Higgins Military Academy and pursued further military and academic training, including postgraduate studies at the Catholic University of America and the Naval War College. He served in the Chilean Army for 25 years, reaching the rank of colonel.
During the Augusto Pinochet regime (1973–1990), Labbé held key roles in communications and ideological training. He was an advisor in the Secretariat of National Communication (SECOM) and later served as Minister Secretary General of Government during the final years of the regime. He was one of the regime’s main theorists in media strategy and political messaging.
Following his retirement from active service, Labbé worked as a lecturer in political science and strategic communication, contributing to conservative think tanks and academic institutions.
Mayor of Providencia
In 1996, Labbé was elected mayor of Providencia with the support of the Independent Democratic Union (UDI), a then right-wing party with deep ties to the military regime. He remained in office for four consecutive terms, serving until 2012. His tenure was marked by a focus on urban order, security, and traditional values, often invoking military-style discipline in civic matters.
Labbé also gained public attention for his support of commemorative events recognizing the role of the Armed Forces in Chilean history. These acts were framed by his administration as efforts to preserve institutional memory and honor military service, although they occasionally sparked debate in the context of the country's ongoing reckoning with its authoritarian past.
In 2012, he was defeated in municipal elections by independent candidate Josefa Errázuriz, following a citizen-driven campaign.[4][5][6]
Legacy
Labbé is viewed as a polarizing figure in Chilean public life. Admirers regard him as a symbol of discipline, civic order, and loyalty to the Armed Forces. Critics, however, cite his alleged complicity in human rights violations and his unapologetic defense of the military regime as evidence of democratic regression.[7][8][9]
His son, Cristián Labbé Martínez, followed a public career of his own, first as a taekwondo athlete and media personality, and later as a member of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies.[10][11][12]
References
- ^ "Cristián Labbé: "No estoy arrepentido de haber trabajado con el general Pinochet"". La Nación. 7 May 2007. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "Labbé, la dictadura y el poder local". The Clinic. 11 October 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "Labbé justifica dictadura y rinde homenaje a las FFAA en acto en Providencia". Emol. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ ""Pepa" Errázuriz da la sorpresa y vence a Cristián Labbé en Providencia". La Tercera. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "Chile: resultados de las elecciones municipales marcan sorpresas". BBC Mundo. 29 October 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "La campaña ciudadana que sacó a Labbé de la alcaldía de Providencia". El Mostrador. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "Acusan a ex alcalde Cristián Labbé como autor de torturas a joven estudiante en 1973". El Desconcierto. 4 April 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "Condenan a exalcalde Cristián Labbé como autor de delitos de tormentos en dictadura". BioBioChile. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "Condenan al coronel y exalcalde de Providencia Cristián Labbé a tres años de prisión por torturas a estudiante en Panguipulli". El Clarín de Chile. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "¿Quién es Cristián Labbé, el nuevo diputado que reemplaza a Patricio Melero?". ADN Radio Chile. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "UDI elige a Cristián Labbé hijo para ocupar el escaño de Patricio Melero en la Cámara de Diputados". El Mostrador. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ^ "Cristián Labbé, el impetuoso hijo del exalcalde que debuta en la política nacional". La Tercera. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2025.