Arturo Torres Molina

Arturo Torres Molina (born 15 December 1890) was a Chilean social leader and politician of the Democratic Party. He served as a deputy during the 1933–1937 legislative period, representing the Seventh Departamental Grouping (Santiago, Third District).

Biography Torres Molina was born in Coronel on 15 December 1890, the son of Eustaquio Torres and Carmen Molina. He married Irene Morales, with whom he had five children.

He studied at the Escuela Nocturna of Coronel. Strongly committed to popular education and mutual aid, he founded the Escuela Nocturna de Proletarios Malaquías Concha and the cooperative housing initiative Chile Nuevo, where he served as general manager.

Political career A member of the Democratic Party, Torres Molina was elected deputy for the Seventh Departamental Grouping (Santiago, Third District), serving from 1933 to 1937.

In the Chamber of Deputies, he was a member of the Standing Committee on Medical-Social Assistance and Hygiene, and served as substitute member of the Standing Committee on Public Education.

His parliamentary work focused on social welfare and popular improvement initiatives, including subsidies for mutual aid societies, potable water infrastructure in La Cisterna and Lo Ovalle, compensation for expropriated residents in Viña del Mar, promotion of physical education and sports, construction of public hospitals and clinics, salary increases for primary school teachers and maritime workers, improvements to the compulsory workers’ insurance system, and support for street vendors, shoeshiners, and small workshops through tax exemptions.

Social activity Torres Molina was an active promoter of community organizations. He was a founding member of the Manuel Atria Providencia Sports Association, initiated the construction of public baths and children's playgrounds in Providencia, founded the Dr. Luis A. Solís Varela Cultural Center, the Donato Millán Social Center, and the Solidaridad Latinoamericana Workers’ Center. He also created the annual Easter celebrations in Providencia for children from low-income families.