Weekend newspapers pointed out the across the border increases in goods sold locally that has occurred in January. The increases have occurred after the passing of the new taxes by the government. The new taxes call for businesses to make monthly payments of 1.5% on income tax, and called for increases on tax paid on imports, as well as increased the value-added tax from 8 to 12% while expanding the base on which it would be applied. As a result, prices of almost all articles have been adjusted upward 20-30%. Despite the widespread support the PRD has within almost all local sectors, complaints are starting to be heard because everyone is confronted with the higher prices. El Siglo reports that representatives of businessmen associations in Santiago said that the measures are bringing about an increase in inflation and will cause industries and business to go bankrupt, with the consequential firing of employees and reduction of foreign investment. A Hoy newspaper editorial calls what has occurred an "orgy of price increases." It criticizes the government for entertaining society with announcements of a forthcoming "paquetazo social" or series of measures to compensate the lower income sectors for the new prices.
