Public Policy Making in Times of Crisis

As a result of the review of the indigenous policy defined by Chilean President Michelle Bache let, a proposal on how to prepare and implement a public policy in times of crisis and political tension is presented. The article emphasizes the description of the phases of the process rather than the theoretical discussion of the formulation of public policies. The political climate in which the formulation of the policy begins is defined, as well as the initial phase for defining the basis for public intervention. It then outlines the initial steps the government takes in reaction to an adverse situation. Next, the work explains how the policy is designed and how it receives presidential approval in a very short period of time. The purpose of this paper is not to present the fundamental concepts of the policy "Re-conocer: pacto social por la multiculturalidad", but to explain how this document was formulated and implemented. The various issues faced during the implementation phase, the framework for this phase as described in the Work Plan -which consists of a set of specific action projects-, as well as the way in which an outline for the governance of the policy was set are all discussed in the article. It describes the forms of action required to develop the policy in the execution phase and also explains the political moment in which the policy is reviewed by the authorities. The illustrated case allows for a review of the traditional process of public policy making, drawing conclusions that may help with similar processes if a crisis arises: the government authority needs to intervene and the time available is not sufficient to take each and every step recommended by the traditional method of public policy formulation. This document helps to understand that in order to effectively respond to a crisis, policy making is as important as its implementation. As leadership is always necessary for successful public policies, in times of crisis leadership becomes a matter of crucial importance. In a crisis, successful public policy is directly linked to the importance that presidential authority gives the conflict, its own interest in finding a solution and to the content that the authority wants to give such initiatives.