"I am sure that in a year, they will be grateful," Kast stated, adding that the increase in fuel prices is a "difficult, but necessary" decision.

"We cannot borrow money to provide a subsidy that, in a short time, will return to its real price. We must be very responsible with the public treasury," the President stated. Photo: Mario Tellez. In the context of his first tour of the southern macrozone, President José Antonio Kast participated in the inauguration of Aquasur, the main aquaculture fair in the Southern Hemisphere. In a speech that lasted 22 minutes, the President reinforced the message that his government has been conveying regarding the increase in fuel prices. In this way, he once again responded to the criticisms that have arisen due to the increase in tariffs, which will begin to take effect starting this Thursday. "If the price of oil rises above what we are accustomed to, that clearly affects us. We must be serious and responsible, and we must find a solution with the industry," he began. In that vein, he added: "This week, we had to make a difficult decision, a painful one for many people, and one that affects family finances, but it was absolutely necessary." "We cannot borrow money to provide a subsidy that, in a short time, will return to its real price. We must be very responsible with the public treasury," the President continued. Having said that, he criticized the administration of former President Gabriel Boric: "In previous years, the figures did not justify the spending that was carried out. Does that affect us today? Yes, because we have a very complex fiscal situation. Could we gain popularity by taking out loans or becoming indebted? Yes. Is that responsible? No, and we have said that we will be responsible and transparent about the situation the country is facing." "We need the collaboration of everyone. It is very easy to point fingers at the government and say that they are not doing what is needed. I invite you to sit down at the table, to talk about what is needed... To become indebted to gain a period of popularity? No. I want to live off the well-being of the people, of the fact that people are doing well," he added, responding to the criticisms against the measure. "I am sure that in a year they will appreciate the responsibility that we, as a government, have had in telling the truth. There is nothing worse than being populist in these conditions," the President concluded. More about: José Antonio Kast President Southern macrozone Price increase