Chile Political and Social Turmoilactive

DEAR EDITOR: It is regrettable that the President of the Republic uses his platform to discredit scientific work that results from state funding. Consider the ERIS Millennium Nucleus, a project funded by the ANID Millennium Initiative (which is at risk of being discontinued). Its goal was to address a fundamental question: just as Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" revolutionized our understanding of human origins, what do we know about the origins of the matter that makes us up? How does heredity operate in the cosmos? To investigate this question, ANID allocated nearly $500 million. ERIS, like many basic science projects, was not intended to generate profit, but to generate knowledge. However, it also created jobs and fostered human capital: researchers and students developed scientific careers that continue today, many of them thanks to ANID scholarships, which are also under threat. The impact extended far beyond academia. Scientists, journalists, designers, business engineers, psychologists, and artists, among others, created the "Gen Universal" educational project, bringing materials and teacher support to remote schools in southern Chile. Because science is not just about accumulating data; it is about learning to think, understanding processes, making mistakes, and trying again. ERIS achieved its standard level of scientific publication, but it also contributed to Chile's national image. Its advancements were showcased at…

DEAR EDITOR: The illegal sale of fentanyl patches is a matter of utmost seriousness. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid medication used for patients with severe pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Therefore, when properly administered, it is an excellent therapeutic tool available in various forms: patches, sublingual tablets, or ampoules. In Chile, fentanyl patches must be dispensed with a prescription. It is urgent to strengthen the control of psychotropic and narcotic medications, as well as to maintain updated records of the professionals who prescribe these drugs. There are still establishments that lack electronic management systems or electronic prescriptions, which prevents complete traceability of medications until they are administered to the patient. Without this, it is not possible to adequately prevent losses or thefts, exposing both our pharmacists and the population. It is imperative to strengthen oversight, apply effective sanctions, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders so that, working together, we can prevent the availability of fentanyl in the illicit market. Only in this way can we avoid its harmful consequences and protect public health. M. Soledad Velásquez U. Vice President, College of Pharmaceutical Chemists of Chile.

The series of reports from the Comptroller General of the Republic regarding audits of employees who received disability benefits related to medical leave – a process that began in May 2025 – had a significant impact on behavior. The number of monthly medical leaves decreased almost immediately after the first audit, and has remained lower since then. This resulted in a reduction of one million medical leaves in 2025 compared to 2024, which, according to estimates from Suseso, could have saved approximately $500 billion in this area. While it is necessary to quantify this effect with real data, the sharp decline in the number of medical leaves indicates that there is a group of individuals and healthcare professionals who are willing to misuse this healthcare instrument. Furthermore, it shows that the impact of the audits has a limit, as this decrease is consistent or equal each month compared to the previous year. It is therefore worth asking what would happen if active auditing were to cease, and what other measures are needed to prevent this reprehensible behavior. International evidence provides some insights into alternatives to auditing: establishing standards that guide the actions of doctors and those who authorize and audit medical leave; reviewing the duration and amount of the benefit associated with the leave downwards (in other countries, these are temporary benefits, for a fixed amount or…

The political landscape is surprising. The government's disarray has revitalized an opposition that was previously weakened. Potential differences fade away in the face of a shared effort to undermine the government. They concluded that it was pointless to discuss their own shortcomings, given the government's 15-year failure to address the most pressing demands of the people: prosperity and security. Hope has been rekindled that they might return to power in 4 years, and rather than acknowledging their own mistakes, their focus is on rejecting everything the government does, unleashing "legislative tidal waves," creating chaos, making life difficult for the government, all without a clear vision beyond simply occupying bureaucratic positions. This is their ingrained mentality, not that of leaders like in the time of Lagos. However, the government itself is also surprising. One might have expected a more organized start. They claimed to have a clear plan, even prioritizing an "emergency plan" with dozens of measures. But, rather than a clear plan, it seems that each minister, each official in the "second floor" of the government building, each political party in the government, each parliamentarian, has their own agenda. More than a lack of a unified narrative, there are many conflicting narratives being publicly presented. Perhaps things are clear behind the palace walls, but they have neglected the art of politics: persuading "the people." When this happens, people are unsure of what to expect, there is a lack of purpose in what is being done, and the authority of the government and the president is undermined. Both sides suffer from a different kind of blindness, but the underlying problem is shared. They ignore...

Condemnations against violence have been voiced from the National Congress following the assault suffered by Congressman Javier Olivares (PDG) this Sunday. The congressman from the People's Party accused of being the victim of a physical assault during the early hours of Sunday, while he was participating in an activity at the headquarters of the Amateur Sports Club Montevideo in Olmué, Valparaíso Region. According to the report, the congressman was unexpectedly approached by a man who punched him in the face, while a second individual pushed him to the ground and kicked him several times. In this context, one of his advisors attempted to assist him, and was also assaulted. Both were subsequently taken to the Limache Hospital, where they were diagnosed with minor injuries. During the afternoon of the same day, the parliamentary office of Javier Olivares announced the filing of legal action against those responsible. Parliamentarians condemn the violence as "unacceptable." His colleague, Congressman Fabián Ossandón (PDG), said he categorically condemns "any type of violence or aggression, regardless of its origin. What happened to Congressman Javier Olivares is unacceptable and can never be normalized." "But I also want to be very clear. Those of us who hold public responsibilities are called upon to reduce the level of polarization, violence, and constant provocations that often lead to..."

The mayor of Santiago, Mario Desbordes, praised the statement made by the Minister of Education, María Paz Arzola, regarding the possibility of temporarily halting the implementation of Local Public Education Services (SLEP) in some municipalities to review necessary changes. "What we want to do is evaluate the possibility of pausing the implementation to conduct an assessment of measures that will allow us to improve the program. Within that assessment and action plan, it may be decided to postpone or delay the implementation in certain municipalities, allowing them to retain their schools for a longer period," stated the official from the Ministry of Education (Mineduc) during the "Estado Nacional" program on TVN. This position from the Ministry of Education (Mineduc) was supported by Desbordes, who also expressed criticism of the Ministry's leadership. "While I appreciate the possibility of a pause, I hope that, in areas where SLEP are already in place, the Ministry begins to exert its authority, because currently, it has no authority regarding these SLEP." In this regard, he also stated, "This reflects poorly on the Director of Public Education, the Undersecretary, and the Minister, who are not exercising the roles for which they were appointed." Thus, the local authority criticized the setbacks in the management of the protests and the white uniforms within the SLEP Santiago program. "The truth is, the Ministry has no idea what to do with the SLEP, or with the process. I deeply regret that..."

The congressman Javier Olivares (PDG) and his advisor sustained minor injuries after being assaulted during the early hours of this Sunday at an event held in the municipality of Limache. According to preliminary information provided by the police, the incident occurred around 12:30 AM at the headquarters of the Montevideo Amateur Sports Club, located on Alcalde Hugo Quinteros Street. According to the complaint filed by the congressman, while he was participating in the club's anniversary celebration, he was unexpectedly attacked by an unknown individual who punched him in the face. After the assault, the individual fled the scene, at which point a second individual pushed the congressman, causing him to fall to the ground. Subsequently, the congressman received several kicks to the body from the attacker. Upon noticing the situation, the congressman's advisor rushed to his aid and was also attacked by the same individual, who punched him in the face before escaping in an unknown direction. As a result of the assault, both victims were taken to the Limache Hospital, where medical personnel diagnosed them with minor injuries. No arrests have been reported in connection with the incident. At least 69 people have been killed in an attack by a community militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Municipality of Lo Prado has agreed to contact the parliamentarians of District 9 to warn them about the potential effects of Article 12 of the National Reconstruction and Socio-Economic Development bill. This initiative proposes a complete exemption from the territorial tax. The decision was adopted during the ordinary session No. 13 of the Municipal Council, held on May 5th, following a prior analysis by the municipality's Administration and Finance committee. According to the municipal administration, the main concern lies in the potential impact that the elimination of contributions to the Municipal Common Fund (FCM) would have. The FCM is the primary mechanism for redistributing resources among municipalities in the country. The bill was introduced to Congress on April 22, 2026, and is part of the so-called mega-reform being promoted by the government. According to the municipality, a decrease in FCM revenue could particularly affect municipalities with lower own revenues, such as Lo Prado. The Mayor of Lo Prado, Maximiliano Ríos, questioned whether the measure would directly benefit the most vulnerable sectors of the municipality. "We need to put the facts on the table. In Lo Prado, only 3% of people over the age of 65 pay these contributions. Therefore, we are talking about a policy that is not focused on the most vulnerable sectors," he stated. The municipal authority added that the initiative "could...

The Minister of Education, María Paz Arzola, stated that her ministry is studying the possibility of pausing the implementation of the Local Public Education Services (SLEP) in order to evaluate what changes are needed. In an interview with the "Estado Nacional" program on the TVN channel, Arzola emphasized that there are many factors that influence the decision of whether to proceed with the transition to SLEP or to maintain the current system where municipalities are responsible for education for a longer period. "What matters most is the well-being of the children," she said. In this regard, the head of the Ministry of Education (Mineduc) commented that she has met with approximately 70 mayors, which has allowed her to see very different realities and situations. "There is no single, easy, or simple solution, and this is especially true in this case," she emphasized. Arzola mentioned that her ministry is analyzing the issue in the "most unbiased way possible," considering all the different variables and addressing the urgency of the situation. Based on this, she stated that they will make a decision that "will not be a one-size-fits-all solution." When asked about her position regarding the potential modification of the law for SLEP and the eventual transfer of responsibility from municipal schools, scheduled until 2030, the Secretary of State highlighted the connection between the decision and the consideration for the well-being of children and education. "If a municipality is responsible for...

The approval rating of President José Antonio Kast's government has again declined in the latest Criteria poll, amidst a context marked by divided opinions regarding the executive's performance and its handling of the emergency situation facing the country. According to the results released this Wednesday, the President's approval rating decreased by two points compared to the previous measurement, reaching 36%. Meanwhile, the disapproval rate remained stable at 51%, while 13% of those surveyed stated they were unsure whether they approve or disapprove of Kast's leadership, a figure that increased by two points. The survey, conducted on May 7th using an online panel with a sample size of 1,000 respondents, also addressed the evaluation of the cabinet and perceptions regarding the Reconstruction and Economic and Social Development bill promoted by the executive branch. Government and Emergency Situation Regarding the direction taken by the government in response to the emergency situation, 40% believe that the approach is incorrect, representing a decrease of three points compared to the previous measurement. On the other hand, 37% believe that the executive's approach is correct. Furthermore, the percentage of people who state they do not have a clear opinion on this issue has increased, reaching 23%. In terms of presidential attributes, José Antonio Kast receives his highest ratings in areas related to leadership and ability to…

Juan Andrés Quezada, a journalist from LT Domingo, shares one of his passions: collecting albums from the World Cup. In this episode of "Chilenos de Colección" (Chileans of Collection), he shows us some of the treasures he has in his collection.

A fire broke out in the San Joaquín district, affecting a residence where three elderly adults died and two other people were injured. The incident occurred early Sunday morning. As Lieutenant Cristián Villablanca of the Carabineros (Chilean police) South Santiago precinct stated, "Due to the flammable materials present in the house, it made it very difficult for the elderly residents to escape." He also reported that only one house was completely destroyed, and firefighters are currently working to determine the cause of the fire. Luis Aragón, second commander of the Metropolitan South Fire Department, said that two other houses sustained approximately 20% damage. Nearly one hundred firefighters, eight companies, and 11 vehicles were deployed to the scene. "Given the conditions of the fire, when the firefighters arrived, the situation was not conducive to conducting search and rescue operations inside the building," Aragón explained.

On May 5th, the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the Investigative Police (PDI) responded to a call in Macul after a woman reported being raped in her home by her former partner. According to Commissioner Tomás Borquez of the La Florida Criminal Investigation Unit, the man entered the victim's home and, after an argument, threatened her with a firearm before sexually assaulting her. Later, after the suspect left the house and the woman contacted her family, another of the victim's former partners arrived at the suspect's home. This individual, reportedly carrying a firearm, went to the suspect's residence and fired shots at it. "In this context, officers from the La Florida Criminal Investigation Unit arrived at the scene, specifically at the suspect's home where he was located. He was arrested, and efforts are underway to locate the person who fired shots at him," the detective stated. According to the prosecutor for Immediate Proceedings, Patricia Ibarra, the suspect was recently formally charged and preventive detention was ordered. In addition, "we have also received information about shots that were allegedly fired against this suspect in the municipality of Macul, resulting in injuries. Therefore, we are also investigating a possible attempted homicide."

The Homicide Brigade (BH) of the Criminal Investigation Police (PDI) was dispatched to the municipality of Puente Alto following the murder of a man who was approached in his vehicle late at night. According to Commissioner Diego Díaz of the BH South, preliminary investigations suggest "that the victim was a driver for a ride-sharing app, which is currently under investigation. He appears to have been approached by at least two individuals who assaulted him inside the vehicle before fleeing the scene." According to the initial investigations by the PDI, the victim exited his vehicle and walked a short distance before collapsing on the street, succumbing to the injuries that caused his death. "At the same time, while the forensic laboratory is conducting its work at the scene, officers from the Homicide Brigade South are working to gather surveillance footage and locate witnesses who can help clarify the circumstances of the incident," Díaz said. The police officer also stated that, in collaboration with the Carabineros (Chilean police force), they are working to identify the victim and determine if the vehicle was subject to any outstanding financial obligations.

The Imacec (a Chilean economic indicator) reported by the Central Bank for the first quarter of 2026 was -0.3%, marking the worst start to the year for our economy since the first three months of 2020. Inflation expectations for this year are already above 4.5%, and job creation is at very low levels. Formal employment, in particular, is in negative territory. This poor performance is influenced by a volatile international context and a mediocre domestic economic reality that has persisted for a decade. The problem with economic growth is that it's like confidence: once lost, it's very difficult to regain. Significant efforts are needed that go beyond mere declarations. The underlying reasons for the problem must be understood and addressed, without shortcuts or compromises. In this regard, much has been said about economic factors that contribute to this, such as taxes, labor costs, environmental regulations, and incentives for innovation. I myself wrote a few weeks ago about the importance of restoring tax competitiveness and modernizing our environmental legislation to adapt to new challenges. While these two areas are fundamental to achieving this goal, there are two others that are not always part of the macroeconomic discussion. The first is the urgent need to combat organized crime in our country. The destruction of forests, the seizure of productive land, and the infiltration of criminal gangs...

They say that when he decided to pass on the unusual and extraordinary international rise in oil prices to fuel prices in Chile, allowing market forces to operate freely without intervention, and allowing demand to adjust to a more expensive supply, the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz Castro, compared his decision to one that, theoretically, one of his most distinguished predecessors would have made in similar circumstances. "Sergio De Castro would have done the same," Quiroz told a small group of confidants in a private meeting at the time. This comparison is not solely his own. The director of the Center for Public Studies, Leonidas Montes, wrote at the beginning of April that the current Minister of Finance was emulating Sergio de Castro with his decision on fuel prices. But other comparisons followed: in an interview with El Mercurio, the former Minister of Economy and Public Works, Juan Andrés Fontaine, recalled the period of Hernán Büchi when speaking about Quiroz. Later, Sebastián Edwards described Quiroz, in the DF program, as the most powerful since Alejandro Foxley, a reference that the rector of UAI, Francisco Covarrubias, had previously made on March 11th. "He is probably the strongest Minister of Finance since the return to democracy, comparable only to Foxley," he said, placing the turning point in 1990. Jorge Quiroz is the 254th Minister of Finance in the history of Chile, if we follow the order…

"This is where I will stand firm." Jorge Quiroz's insightful commentary this week, delivered at a seminar concerning his defense of the employment credit included in the massive reform, only deepened doubts about the level of flexibility with which the Minister of Finance will approach the legislative battle surrounding this significant reform proposed by José Antonio Kast. Despite this, the landmark project overcame its first hurdle this week. The Finance Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved the initiative in general by a vote of 8 to 4, with all votes in favor coming from the ruling party. Zandra Parisi (PDG) abstained. This occurred amidst ongoing, often unpredictable, negotiations between the government and the party led by Franco Parisi. "Quiroz remains very confident that his ideas are correct, and as long as he has the votes to move the project forward, he is unlikely to make any substantial changes. If he continues to have the votes, why would he do otherwise?" lamented an economist from the opposition, who downplays the likelihood that the left wing will play a significant role in the negotiations that are to come in Congress. The same question has been raised in the minds of political and economic figures, both within the government and the opposition, following the release of details about the project and the harsh criticisms leveled by the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA) at the measures and the fiscal sustainability of the reform. "The crucial question is whether Quiroz will remain entrenched in his ideas or whether he will be open to negotiations..."

Students at the Liceo de Aplicación school, located in the municipality of Santiago, did not have classes on the morning of Wednesday, April 22nd. At the beginning of the day, they organized an unauthorized assembly, and by a majority vote, decided to occupy the school. There were no prior demonstrations or days of protest, as had happened in the past. This time, the students used the occupation as the first sign of protest against the "Escuelas Protegidas" (Protected Schools) bill, an initiative proposed by the government to reinforce security measures in schools, which also increases penalties for those who commit acts of violence, such as being denied access to university scholarships. The school principal, Hugo Césped, stated that concerns had been brewing among the students for weeks, and that they erupted the day before with the approval of the bill in the Chamber of Deputies. "They were very anxious, but they didn't have much information about it. They weren't clear that it wasn't a mandate, but that it would be different in each educational community," he said. He added: "The student council informed me that the organizers had called for a peaceful occupation, that they disagreed with the policy being implemented, and that they would be present to prevent any damage and to prevent the entry of outsiders." After the teachers left the school, a group of 15 students from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades remained inside...

"What's happening with the DC?" asked the Socialist leader, Paulina Vodanovic, on Wednesday, the 6th, when, around 2:15 PM, none of the representatives from that party who had been invited to a crucial meeting had yet to appear. The meeting was intended to coordinate "a unified vote from the DC to the PC" against the massive reform being pushed by the government of José Antonio Kast. Just minutes before, during the DC deputies' lunch, the president of that party, Álvaro Ortiz, had announced that he had to leave immediately for Santiago to attend a meeting with Cardinal Fernando Chomalí and later a meeting with former leaders of the political group. Ortiz does not drive and travels by bus, so he insisted that he had to leave to avoid being late for his appointments. This was despite the fact that on the third floor of the Chamber, in Room 315, the meeting of the progressive forces was about to begin. However, just before leaving, Ortiz received a phone call from Senator Yasna Provoste, representing the Atacama region, to confirm his presence at the conclave with the left-wing parties. With just 20 hours until the vote on the general legislative proposal in the Chamber of Deputies' Finance Committee, greater political coordination was essential, she emphasized. In fact, Provoste had confirmed to the other opposition parties the presence of the DC representatives the previous night. With a fragmented opposition and lacking a common project, each party had...

The Presidential Delegation of the Metropolitan Region declared the first environmental alert of 2026 for this Sunday, May 10th, in Santiago, due to the unfavorable weather conditions and air quality expected in the country's capital. The measure was adopted following a recommendation from the Regional Ministry of Environment (Seremi) of the Metropolitan Region, with the aim of protecting the health of the population. As a result of this measure, the use of wood-burning heaters and wood-derived products (except for pellets) is prohibited throughout the region. This measure will be enforced by teams from the Seremi in conjunction with the municipalities and the Carabineros (national police). Agricultural burning is also prohibited, a regulation that is in effect from March 1st to October 31st. Finally, since it is a weekend, the vehicle restriction does not apply in the capital.

The Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA) issued an opinion this week on the fiscal aspects of the government's recently proposed bill for reconstruction and economic development. The initial assessment should be clear, although some have chosen to overlook it: despite several reservations, the CFA did not reject the bill. On the contrary, it recognized that the initiative places economic growth and efficient spending at the center of the discussion, precisely because both are essential pillars for strengthening fiscal sustainability in the medium term. However, the CFA's warnings are entirely valid. Chile is not entering this debate from a position of strength, but rather from a situation of fiscal constraint: a structural deficit of 3.6% of GDP in 2025, projected deficits for the coming years, a gross debt of 41.5% of GDP, and insufficient sovereign funds to cope with a new crisis. The recent diagnosis from the IMF makes the starting point even more challenging for the new administration. The actual deficit for 2026 would no longer be 1.5% of GDP, as estimated during the budget process, but 3% of GDP, before considering the planned spending cuts of 0.5% of GDP being promoted by this administration. In other words, the fiscal deficit would be approximately US$6 billion higher than what was projected just a few months ago by the outgoing administration. This will likely necessitate a more honest…

DEAR EDITOR: It seems unbelievable, but barely two months into the government, internal conflicts are erupting everywhere. Longueira, who is trying to take control of the UDI party, is complaining about the excessive increase in fuel prices announced by Quiroz. Matthei argues that part of the Reconstruction Plan is useless. Poduje openly dismisses the authority of the Minister of Finance. The "Piñerismo" faction is attacking the government because, they claim, the "Plan for Economic Growth" (PEG) is being put at risk. As if that weren't enough, the president of the Republican Party is questioning the role of the "second tier" of the government, pointing out that it is part of a larger problem. There is some truth to this last point. How can we forget the concept of a "bankrupt state," or the leaks of internal memos from the Ministry of Communications regarding how to deal with the fuel price increases, and Bachelet's candidacy for the United Nations? All of this happened in less than 50 days. It is fair to say, however, that the "second tier" often creates friction with the parties, especially when its members are not active party members. Lacking a strong party affiliation, they believe their only function is to be the President's "ears," and they even compete with each other to be the closest to the President. This fuels jealousy, distrust, and collective paranoia. These "ears" aspire to gain authority and power. Their goal is usually to gain recognition and inspire fear. They enjoy walking around the ministries and having people mistake them for the President himself. However, that description is more fitting for the *bad* "ears"...

DEAR EDITOR: In 2018, the Committee on the Rights of the Child warned that the Chilean state had seriously and systematically violated the rights of children and adolescents in protective care facilities. Subsequently, the committee urged the country to establish an independent Truth Commission with adequate funding. In this context, the differences between the government and the Truth and Childhood Commission, as well as the resignation of four of its members, are concerning. Those who left the commission claim that decisions made by the Ministry of Justice prevent them from properly fulfilling their mandate. The minister argues that the pace of work and the low number of interviews are unsustainable. While this argument may make sense from a management perspective, the goal of redress does not align with this logic, and listening to victims requires qualified professionals and adequate time. Of course, the process cannot extend indefinitely, and public resources must be used efficiently. Both of these requirements are compatible. What cannot happen is that the pressure to demonstrate progress turns victims into indicators of performance, nor can the complexity of the process justify the absence of timely responses. Therefore, it is essential that the Commission maintains its independence from the current government and the institutions involved; that it has sufficient funding; and that it progresses based on a clear plan and regular mechanisms for…

DEAR EDITOR: The approval of the "Safe Schools" project addresses an urgent need that Chile can no longer postpone: learning is impossible without safety. The progress of this initiative is a necessary response to a reality that has deeply affected our educational communities. Ensuring that students, teachers, and families feel safe in school is not an idealistic aspiration, but the starting point for any educational experience. Measures such as backpack checks, access control, and the regulation of dangerous items must be understood within this context of urgency. International evidence has shown that safe school environments are a prerequisite for learning and well-being. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has emphasized that school coexistence is a fundamental aspect of education that requires protection, prevention, and shared responsibility. Progressing with these measures is legitimate and unavoidable. However, these tasks are not the responsibility of the teacher. Teachers should not be relegated to roles of surveillance, because their primary task is to educate, inspire, and broaden horizons. When teachers stop educating and instead become controllers, the school begins to lose its deepest meaning. This project should spark a broader debate: schools cannot continue to face problems alone that belong to the entire society. School safety requires real collaboration with the police, municipalities, school administrators, and student support services, ensuring resources and personnel...

DEAR EDITOR: Today, May 7th, marks two years since the draft law on artificial intelligence was introduced in Chile. During that time, the technology has changed dramatically: language models have gone from being experimental tools to becoming a common infrastructure for businesses and individuals; automation has begun to transform specific jobs. Meanwhile, the legislative text continues to be debated without any sense of urgency. The problem is not just the slowness. A rigid law approved today will be obsolete tomorrow. What Chile needs is a framework of principles, not specific technologies, with an independent technical body capable of updating its regulations at the speed of change, without being dependent on each new legislative cycle. This is the model that other countries have successfully adopted, and it is the direction our discussion should take. Amidst all the debate about AI, its benefits, and its risks, I am reminded of the song "Queremos saber" (We want to know) written by Gilberto Gil in the 1970s. In it, he asked what we would do with new inventions and what their consequences would be for people. The question remains relevant for AI, and Chile does not have an answer. Daniel Merege

Jorge Quiroz made his debut with the image of the most courageous minister within a cabinet of newcomers. He cultivated this aura on the night of Monday, March 23rd, when he appeared on various television channels to announce the largest fuel price increase in local history. He had only been in his position for 12 days, and the United States' war against Iran had barely lasted three weeks, while most of the world still believed it would last no more than two more. Quiroz decided to embrace the worst-case scenario – that the war would not end quickly – and to accept the highest political costs, possibly calculating that the popularity of the newly formed government could withstand such a blow. It's the kind of decision where you can be right or wrong, but it requires courage. Quiroz seemed to have been building his tough exterior since the campaign, when he was harshly criticized by economists from all sectors, especially those on the right. Did he believe that fuel prices would also serve as a test of the resilience of the major reform he would later have to send to Congress? Perhaps. But this is precisely the point: in both cases, Quiroz has nothing to lose. The president, on the other hand, does. Quiroz provided the president with an economic program that he lacked, with two additional features: a change in direction and a component of cultural change. Quiroz's boldness is only comparable to that of Sergio de Castro in the second half of the 1970s, a case from which he may have drawn inspiration. De Castro was…

Franco Parisi's face, beaming with joy, said it all. He had won. No matter what happens, Parisi has already achieved his goal, and he himself stated this in La Segunda. In times of turmoil, some benefit, and here, so far, there is only one winner. The leader of the PDG party played his cards well (hence, no one could take that smile away from him). Freshly arrived from Alabama, and before even meeting with Minister Quiroz, he had already given several interviews in which he stated that the government had not fulfilled its commitment to reduce the VAT on diapers and medicines, and that, therefore, they were withdrawing from the agreement to vote in favor. However, he always left the door open for negotiations, of course. Thus, between Wednesday and Thursday, he outmaneuvered the very powerful Minister Jorge Quiroz, who had to grant him an audience in record time to negotiate and try to convince him to have the PDG party support the mega-bill for reconstruction. Quiroz, inflexible even with his own allies, and who prides himself on not being friendly or needing to be, had to sit down with the PDG leader with a good face. Franco Parisi's face as he left Teatinos 120 conveyed a single thing: political triumph. Surrounded by microphones, dominating the agenda, and showing the government that projects and Kast's ambitions have a clear limit: him and the votes of the PDG party. Kast – if he continues on this path – will only go as far as Parisi allows, and he will make him pay for it, every step of the way.

A wave of proposed amendments, numbering no less than two thousand five hundred, is being prepared by a member of the PPD parliamentary group, with the aim of halting the progress of the reconstruction and economic revitalization bill. Furthermore, he recounts, with cynical nonchalance, that any errors made in processing these amendments would likely result in the Constitutional Court sanctioning those flaws. No system of rules functions if those who apply them do not act with a minimum of loyalty to the spirit of its principles. This was already understood by the Romans, who developed, based on this fundamental idea, the principle of good faith, which is essential not only for the fulfillment of contracts but also for any form of human relationship. Democracy is no exception to this principle, something that Chileans know – or should know. That perverse idea, originating from Marxism, that democracy is merely a "bourgeois" and "formal" institution that can and should be used instrumentally to destroy it, was at the root of the collapse of our social harmony in the last century. That is why this announcement is so serious, because it demonstrates that the majority of Chilean left-wing leadership still adheres to a purely opportunistic approach. It is obvious and understandable that the opposition does not like this bill; its provisions point directly in the opposite direction of their ideology: to reduce the burden, size, and powers of the state, in order to return a significant portion of...

This week, from the Biobío region, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Fernando Cabrera, launched "Maritime Month," a month dedicated to commemorating naval glories. In that context, and speaking during the ceremony, Cabrera highlighted the key milestones of the institution he leads, as well as its objectives. First, Cabrera emphasized the country's role in international affairs. He stated that "by its very nature, we are an American, Polynesian, and Antarctic nation. We are a transoceanic and triconinental nation whose identity, purpose, and projection are fully understood in the ocean." Regarding this, the Admiral pointed out that this requires an integrated approach to the national territory, and he highlighted the work that the Navy carries out in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and in Antarctica. Later in his speech, Cabrera emphasized that "the ocean is not just a physical space: it is a strategic theater, an area of vital economic interest (...) and the stage where the future of the nation is being built," adding that "the sea is not an option for the future; it is an absolute condition for development." Naval Construction In the same vein, Admiral Cabrera revealed that the choice of the Biobío region to launch "Maritime Month" was not random, given the region's role in one of the Navy's main areas: naval construction. "Over the years...

Over the past two weeks, the environmental debate has been dominated by two key issues. First, the Ministry of Finance's initial recommendations to cut 142 programs by $5.4 billion as part of the 2027 budget. Second, the progress of the National Reconstruction Plan, which introduces significant changes to Law 19.300 and the operation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system to promote investment, economic growth, and job creation. Regarding the first initiative, the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, presented the President of the Republic with a package of proposed adjustments that includes the potential elimination or reduction of funding for these environmental programs, although final decisions have not yet been made. While these represent a relatively small portion of the overall budget, experts argue that they play a crucial role in preventing costly environmental and social damage in the future. According to Annie Dufey, an economist, partner at Karungen, and director of Espacio Público, if this decision is implemented, "it is a senseless contradiction from an economic perspective and goes against what science tells us." Dufey argues that this creates a false dichotomy between environmental protection and economic growth. She emphasizes that natural capital is the foundation of the country's productive capacity, and that eliminating these programs would only exacerbate problems such as water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability, leading to a much higher fiscal cost.

Chile’s new conservative government expects the economy to grow slightly above 2% this year as it pushes pro-investment reforms and cuts spending amid the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices.

The strategy announced by the opposition to delay the progress of the National Reconstruction project, promoted by the government of José Antonio Kast, through the submission of amendments, has raised concerns within the independent bloc of the Party for Democracy (PPD), who rejected the strategy. The head of the PPD-independent bloc, Raúl Soto, stated that the group "will not join any strategy of sabotage or obstructionism." "What we have collectively agreed upon is this: we will work on proposals in a constructive manner to support the middle class, vulnerable sectors, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Our goal will never be to be an obstructionist opposition or one that is sabotaging," Soto pointed out. Similarly, the deputy leader of the bloc, Héctor Ulloa, distanced himself from the practice announced by the opposition and indicated that they would opt to present a proposal "focused on the middle class, small and medium-sized enterprises, and micro-enterprises." "That is our position. We are open to dialogue and to being a constructive opposition. We invite the government, and especially Minister Quiroz, to be transparent about whether they will push the project forward, or whether they will open the debate to refine and improve the National Reconstruction project," he said. In the same vein, the congressman and member of the Finance Committee, Carlos Bianchi, was emphatic and stated that the bloc "will not join any harmful strategy aimed at obstructing the democratic debate on the reform..."

The lawyer Cristóbal Bónacic, representing the former congressman Joaquín Lavín León, questioned the pre-trial detention order issued against his client and announced that they would file appeals to try to overturn the measure. The lawyer stated that the case is "just beginning" and that the investigation and a potential trial are still to come. "Every person has the right to an objective and impartial trial, and not to a closed investigation like the one that has been carried out to date," he argued. In this regard, Bónacic assured that his client remains calm regarding the proceedings. "When the evidence is objectively and fully assessed, the conclusion will obviously be different," he stated. When asked about the condition of Lavín León after his admission to the Capitán Yáber Penitentiary Annex, the lawyer said that he is in a facility with other people in similar situations, although he acknowledged that being deprived of liberty is "not pleasant." "He understands that this is a process that he unfortunately has to endure. We hope it will be as short as possible, because I am convinced that there is no crime here," he said. The lawyer also criticized the ruling of Judge Daniel Urrutia, arguing that, in his opinion, the legal requirements for issuing the pre-trial detention order were not met. "The law establishes requirements for pre-trial detention that, in our opinion, are not being met. Therefore..."

The plenary session of the Supreme Court presented a report to the Chamber of Deputies and President José Antonio Kast, analyzing the National Reconstruction bill announced by the Executive branch. The report, signed by the President of the Court, Gloria Ana Chevesich, examined the key legislative package for the Kast administration, an initiative that includes more than 40 measures in four central areas: physical reconstruction, economic recovery, institutional reform, and fiscal policy. "The bill introduces substantial changes to the environmental assessment regime, the system for challenging Environmental Qualification Resolutions (EQRs), and the powers of the Environmental Courts," the plenary session's report states. The document details that the most significant complexities were identified in the proposed reforms to articles 13 N°6, 16, 18, and 19 of the current regulations. Regarding the creation of article 24 ter in Law N°19.300 concerning regulatory precision, the court noted a concerning lack of "technical precision." The Supreme Court questions whether, although the intention is to centralize disputes in specialized courts, the text "does not clearly define whether it introduces an exceptional rule or a general modification of the system." Additionally, the Court emphasized that the omission of rules regarding who can legally bring a case, or active standing, could lead to "legal uncertainty" that would undermine the effectiveness of the…

The Municipality of La Florida has officially launched the 2026 application process for the Municipal Grant: Community and Situational Prevention Program, an initiative that will allow neighborhood organizations to design and implement security projects in their own communities. The program, called SOS: Security and Social Organizations, includes a total investment of $1 billion, which will be used to fund initiatives promoted by neighborhood associations, community committees, and security committees within the municipality. Each organization can apply for projects up to $5 million, which can be used to implement various preventive measures, such as surveillance cameras, community alarms, street closures with gates, solar-powered pedestrian lighting, vehicle barriers, speed bumps, and other initiatives. The Mayor of La Florida, Daniel Reyes, stated that security "remains the number one concern for residents" and warned about the police shortage facing the country. "We are living with a structural problem at the national level related to the lack of police personnel. Just last week, we saw reports indicating a shortage of nearly 12,000 police officers, which clearly affects their operational deployment in communities," he said. In that regard, the municipal leader pointed out that municipalities must develop strategies to...

On Friday afternoon, shortly after 6:00 PM, the Carabineros (Chilean police) received a phone call reporting the presence of a man inside the educational institution, selling drugs and carrying a firearm. When the police officers arrived at the scene, the 18-year-old man attempted to flee. During his escape, the individual threw a bag containing shotgun cartridges of caliber 12, and also dropped a replica pistol that is capable of firing, according to Major Luis Segura, Commissioner of the 29th Police Station of La Farfana in Maipú, in a conversation with Radio Biobío. The detainee is 18 years old, is of Chilean nationality, and has no prior criminal record. Furthermore, it was determined that he is not a student at the DUOC campus in Maipú.

Starting this Friday, former congressman Joaquín Lavín León and his former advisor, Emiliano Domínguez Vallejos, are being held in pre-trial detention, following a ruling issued by the Seventh Guarantee Court of Santiago, as part of an investigation led by the Metropolitan East Prosecutor's Office. The difference lies in the correctional facilities where both defendants will serve their pre-trial detention: Lavín León was admitted to the Capitán Yáber annex, while Domínguez Vallejos is being held at the Santiago 1 Preventive Detention Center. In a statement, the Chilean Penitentiary Administration confirmed that it "is complying with its legal mandate" by receiving both defendants, adding that "the competent court, in accordance with the legal powers established in Decree Law No. 2,859 and in articles 12 and 13 of article 6 of the Organic Law of the Chilean Penitentiary Administration, orders their admission to the aforementioned correctional facilities, which are consistent with the classification and segregation of the defendants." The institution also stated that "both citizens underwent the protocol established for admission to a correctional facility, including the procedures for classification, segregation, and verification of their health status." The pre-trial detention order was issued this Friday by Judge Daniel Urrutia Laubreaux, who granted the request of the Metropolitan East Prosecutor's Office after finding sufficient evidence of the involvement of both individuals in the alleged crimes...

The deadline for parliamentarians to submit their proposals is Monday at noon. Following the general approval (the idea of legislation) of the massive "reconstruction and economic and social development" project by the Chamber's Finance Committee, a deadline was agreed for parliamentarians to submit their suggestions (amendments or proposals), expiring at that time. Although the executive branch and the ruling party can make their own adjustments at this stage, the main wave of proposals will come from the opposition, where some legislators have threatened to submit more than a thousand suggestions. The mere warning from Deputy Jaime Araya (independent, PPD) that a "tsunami" is coming sparked a heated debate on Friday. While the government collectively accused it of being "legislative sabotage," voices within the opposition were divided between those who supported the mass submission of amendments and those who preferred to present themselves as open to dialogue. Regardless of the strategies, it is now a fact that the next two weeks will mark a legislative clash. On one hand, La Moneda (the presidential palace) will continue to push forward the massive reform to give President José Antonio Kast a victory in his first address to Congress (on June 1), while a hard-line faction of the opposition has already decided to block this initiative, which, according to that sector, favors the wealthiest segments of society. While Deputy Boris Barrera (PC) admitted that when he said they would submit 1,200 amendments...

The convention of the Broad Front (Frente Amplio) is moving forward, and this Thursday, each internal group within the party shared its documents to outline the future of the political coalition, its role as the opposition, and its plans to return to government. Just two months after leaving office, one of the key debates shaping the Broad Front's internal reflection process is the evaluation of how they exercised power during the four years of President Gabriel Boric's administration. There are diverse perspectives on this issue. Some are staunch defenders of the former president's legacy, advocating for moving past the presidential defeat and focusing on the next steps for the coalition. Conversely, others continue to engage in self-criticism and believe that the discussion about the coalition's future must include an acknowledgment that expectations were not fully met during the exercise of power. Despite the disagreements, both groups of leaders hold a positive view of Boric and his accomplishments. It is recognized that the former president remains the most prominent figure in the party, although he is not the only one. Since losing the presidential election to José Antonio Kast, the Broad Front has experienced several periods of intense reflection. Therefore, those who defend Boric's administration argue that the priority should be to look forward, as there has already been enough self-criticism. In fact, this latter group cites a document that was prepared…

DEAR EDITOR: Two recent events have heightened public debate regarding criminal justice and force us to re-evaluate the system's ability to intervene before violence reaches irreversible levels. The murder of an inspector at the Obispo Silva Lezaeta Institute in Calama, at the hands of an 18-year-old student, and the case of a woman who was held and abused for months in Las Condes, although very different in nature, share the commonality that in both cases, there were prior warning signs, and there was no effective and timely intervention. The criminal justice system does not prevent crime; it punishes it. It arrives only after the damage has already been done. Therefore, simply increasing penalties is insufficient. In the case of Calama, one must ask why certain alarms were not triggered and why control mechanisms in the institutions were weakened. In Las Condes, the issue is the lack of detection in the face of prolonged violence in isolation. Nevertheless, the overarching challenge is to strengthen prevention, truly improve institutional coordination, and reinforce protection mechanisms. It also involves recovering a fundamental concept: that legitimate authority is essential to guarantee rights. Otherwise, the criminal justice system will continue to arrive too late, and the cost, as we have already seen, can be irreparable. Sabas Chahuán Former National Prosecutor and partner in the criminal law area of GrupoDefensa.cl.

DEAR EDITOR: Yesterday, three motorcyclists died in a high-speed accident on Route 5. Just hours before, social media accounts of various groups involved in illegal street racing were boasting about speeds exceeding 200 km/hr. As we, a group of residents, have repeatedly stated, this behavior is widespread in various parts of the country, and its consequences are entirely predictable. We urge the authorities and the police to stop waiting for new laws and instead take immediate action within the existing legal framework to prevent further tragedies of this kind. Jorge Andrés Greene Díaz Mejor Vitacura

The Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Fernando Rabat, addressed the controversy with Mayor Mario Desbordes regarding the Santiago 1 prison. "I have already stated this publicly. The plan is to expand that prison, but not to build a new one," he commented, adding that "an unnecessary controversy has been created." The minister addressed the issue after being questioned by the press following a visit to the Women's Penitentiary Center in Temuco, as part of his agenda for the La Araucanía region. "I also want to emphasize that these projects are accompanied by mitigation measures, which we hope will minimize all the external impacts that a prison generates," the Secretary of State added. Following this, Rabat responded to Mayor Desbordes' statements regarding the mitigation measures associated with the project at the capital prison. "I believe that Mayor Desbordes did not fully understand what I said. I urge him to reread my statements so that he does not make reckless comments," he stated. This Wednesday, on the "From the Editorial Department" program on La Tercera, Minister Rabat reiterated that the expansion of the Santiago 1 prison will indeed proceed. Desbordes expressed regret that this was still ongoing and implied that the mitigation measures were an attempt to "deceive the residents." "Mr. Minister, please inform yourself properly. Do not misinform the citizens," the mayor said on the same day. This Friday, also on the "From the Editorial Department" program...

In its short history, the Republican Party has been known for its discipline. However, in recent weeks, this has been left behind. The first spark was ignited by the president of the party, Senator Arturo Squella, who publicly criticized Alejandro Irarrázaval, the head of the Presidential Advisors, who is also a member of the same party. Squella questioned the leak of documents from the Dipres agency, which suggested cuts to programs, and called on the team of advisors at La Moneda (the presidential palace) to "take control" to avoid further mistakes. The dispute quickly raised alarms among Republicans. The fact that two of President José Antonio Kast's key figures appeared publicly at odds, several members fear, opens a vulnerability for the government and the party that the President founded. The issue was the subject of conversation among the parliamentarians. On Wednesday, Squella attended the parliamentary lunch, and according to some accounts, he was applauded by some parliamentarians upon entering the room. Others, however, suggest that there were reservations about his criticism of Irarrázaval. What is certain is that at least three sources consulted indicate that two deputies expressed their discomfort with the senator making his concerns about the Presidential Advisors public. These include José Carlos Meza, who is one of the parliamentarians closest to Irarrázaval, and Chiara Barchiesi, sister of Antonio Barchiesi, the main ally of the engineer...

Chile's foreign trade continued to accelerate during the first quarter of 2026, and it is one of the (few) positive developments in the Chilean economy during this period of fiscal constraints, declining growth, and increased inflation. According to the monthly report from the Subsecretaría de Relaciones Económicas Internacionales (Subrei), using data from the Central Bank, the country's total trade amounted to US$ 69.963 billion between January and April, representing an 8.2% increase compared to the same period last year, and marking "the highest level of activity for the first four months of a year since records began." In this context, Chilean exports reached a new historical high for that period. Shipments totaled US$ 39.772 billion in the first four months of the year, with a growth of 12% compared to the same period in 2025, equivalent to an additional US$ 4.274 billion. According to Subrei, this represents "a new record, with maximum figures for both traditional and non-traditional exports." The dynamism was also reflected in April. During that month alone, Chilean exports reached US$ 9.718 billion, an increase of 7% compared to April 2025, and the highest historical amount for the fourth month of the year. The growth in shipments was led by the mining sector. The sector accumulated exports of US$ 23.606 billion between January and April, representing an annual growth of 19.6%. "...

The Secretary General of the Government, Mara Sedini, launched a harsh accusation against the opposition, describing their intention to "flood" the debate with over a thousand amendments as an act of sabotage against the National Reconstruction project. The Secretary of State made these statements during her visit to Antofagasta, where she traveled to present the progress of the public policies implemented by the government, just under two months after the start of her administration. First, the government spokesperson supported President José Antonio Kast's willingness to use administrative decrees to push forward the major reform if the discussion stalls in Parliament. This followed the President's statement, in support of the previous remarks made by the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, that "regarding the possibility of it not being approved, well, governments continue to govern. And there are matters that do not require a law, and indeed, those matters that do not require a law, and which do not infringe on the powers of Parliament, can be administered by the government through certain decrees." Regarding this, Sedini stated that at La Moneda (the presidential palace), there is "a deep respect for the institutions and for Parliament. Our primary objective is that this project, as it has already progressed in the Finance Committee, continues to advance in the regular process with the Congress, where we believe that common sense will prevail, because this is a project that helps the Chilean people..."

Six years ago, on Sunday, March 8, 2020, police officer Roxana Licanqueo was seriously injured in a major collision between a Transantiago bus and a mobile police unit at the Grecia roundabout. The incident occurred when the police vehicle – belonging to the 66th Police Station in Bajos de Mena, Puente Alto – which was traveling from west to east, collided with the bus that was attempting to enter the roundabout. The mobile unit was transporting nine female officers to an operation for the International Women's Day march in downtown Santiago. One of the officers was seriously injured and was taken to the Police Hospital. This Friday, the 11th Civil Court of Santiago ordered the government to pay compensation of $90,000,000 for moral damages to the officer who was seriously injured. In the ruling, Judge Patricio Hernández partially upheld the claim for damages due to lack of service filed against the government, after determining that the State is civilly liable for the non-pecuniary damages resulting from the traffic accident caused by the driver of the police vehicle. The ruling states that "while initially the possibility of the driver's civil liability was considered, the resolution issued by the 8th Guarantee Court of Santiago indicates that an investigation was formally opened against Sergeant José Olave for the crime of..."

"The minister (in Rabat) lacks political experience, and this will come at a cost," questioned the mayor of Santiago, Mario Desbordes, on La Tercera's streaming program, referring to the government's decision to expand the Santiago 1 penitentiary. "I would have expected that this wouldn't happen during my administration," the mayor stated in an interview with Catalina Batarce and Rodrigo Álvarez, adding that he will continue discussions with President José Antonio Kast because "the time for conversation with the minister has passed." In this episode, you can also watch an interview with Congressman Patricio Briones (PDG) about the possibility that his political party might eventually resume its support for the Megareform, and a conversation with the Argentine progressive politician Leandro Santoro.

The Regional Ministerial Secretariat (Seremi) of Health in the Metropolitan Region (RM) has initiated an investigation into an incident at the Inacap professional institute in the La Granja municipality, following the death of a student in an electrical workshop. The 21-year-old student died on Wednesday night after receiving an electric shock from a high-voltage panel while participating in a practical class. The Seremi of Health for the RM, Pía Venegas, visited the site and requested documentation from the institution related to electrical installations, work protocols, emergency procedures, training programs, personal protective equipment, among other things. "We deeply regret the death of this student and express our condolences to his family, friends, and the educational community," the health official stated. Regarding the actions being taken, Venegas assured that teams of technical experts have been deployed to conduct a thorough investigation and determine whether there were any breaches of the safety standards required by current health regulations. The Seremi emphasized that "educational and technical training institutions have a responsibility to adequately ensure the safety of students, workers, and the educational community, especially in practical activities that involve electrical, mechanical, or other risks." In this regard, further...

The congressman Patricio Briones (PDG) criticized the executive branch's stance on the possibility of governing through decrees on Friday. This occurred within the context of the debate surrounding the major reform, which was approved yesterday in the Finance Committee. In parallel with the parliamentary debate on Thursday, the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, addressed the possibilities for the executive branch in a seminar at Clapes UC, should the so-called National Reconstruction Plan ultimately not be approved. "I was asked what would happen if it is not approved, and well, we will continue to govern as before, because there is also administrative action, and there are also decrees," the minister stated, in remarks that were later also validated by President José Antonio Kast. "Regarding what happens if it is not approved, well, governments continue to govern. And there are matters that do not require a law, and indeed, those matters that do not require a law, and which do not infringe on the powers of Parliament, can be administered by the government through certain decrees. As long as we do not overstep the legislative branch, and we would never attempt to do something like that. But there are situations where the government can make certain decisions by decree," the President explained during an official trip to Costa Rica. When consulted about the executive branch's position, Briones told "Desde la Redacción de La Tercera" that he found it "horrible, horrible, horrible." "I haven't heard something like that in years..."

The expansion of Santiago Prison 1 continues to create friction between the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Fernando Rabat, and the mayor of the capital, Mario Desbordes. The latter's criticisms of the Secretary of State show no signs of stopping, indicating a complete disconnect. In a conversation with the "From the Editorial Office" program on La Tercera, the mayor, instead of de-escalating the dispute with Rabat, who confirmed the construction of the prison facility in Santiago, once again criticized the Minister of Justice: "The Minister lacks political experience, and this will have consequences for him in the future." In addition to confirming that the capital would be the location for the prison expansion, Desbordes was also upset that Rabat announced the decision through this same program – a contrast to the Minister of Public Works, Martín Arraú, who had indicated that areas outside the capital were being considered for prison construction. He emphasized that: "I would have expected this not to happen during my administration. I want to be very clear. I would have expected that a political decision of this magnitude, of this importance, and not a minor decision, would be made after at least some minimal dialogue." Desbordes even stated that he had more communication with the former Minister of Justice, the communist Jaime Gajardo, than he has with the current head of the ministry. "Unlike what happened with Minister Gajardo, who was an active member of the Communist Party during the government...

Last Wednesday, 130 mayors from the ruling party met with President José Antonio Kast at La Moneda Palace for an extensive meeting aimed at discussing the executive branch's proposal to exempt individuals over 65 years old from paying certain taxes. The issue of security was also addressed during the meeting, as several mayors have expressed that security is the primary concern for their municipalities. Attendees reported that the government conveyed its intention to increase the number of police officers. In this context, the mayor of San Miguel, Carol Bown (UDI), emphasized that municipalities are concerned about organized crime, "even in seemingly minor offenses." In an interview with radio Duna, the municipal leader pointed out that municipalities across the country must deal with "people living on the streets, the so-called 'rucos,' who occupy public spaces and cause disturbances and inconveniences to citizens." In this regard, the mayor suggested that she would like mayors to "be part of the political committee in some way." She even stated that she has proposed this idea to government officials. For Bown, the inclusion of mayors would ensure that "the discussion remains focused on what people are constantly demanding from the political class in general, and that it doesn't get diluted in other types of discussions that are relevant, but are not the most pressing issues."

A fire is affecting a commercial establishment this morning in downtown Santiago, located on Alameda Avenue, near the intersection with Libertad Street, close to the Unión Latinoamericana station on Line 1 of the Metro. According to Colonel Arnaldo de Carrasco Durán, head of the 3rd Police Precinct, the affected establishment appears to be a Chinese convenience store, and the first alarm about the fire was reported around 7:00 AM. At the scene, he stated that approximately seven fire companies from the Santiago Fire Department are working to extinguish the flames. No injuries have been reported so far. "Currently, Alameda Avenue is closed at García Reyes Street, in the eastbound direction. Once the situation is stabilized, we will resume normal traffic flow," he said. He also stated that they are in contact with the owner of the establishment, who confirmed that there were no people inside the convenience store at the time of the incident. TRAFFIC ALERT (07:20). All lanes of Alameda Avenue west of the fire are being diverted onto Av. Ricardo Cumming to the north and Av. España to the south, due to fire department operations at a commercial establishment near Libertad Street. Expect heavy congestion. #Santiago https://t.co/had878NKIC pic.twitter.com/YKPPN4ChXZ — TransporteInforma Región Metropolitana De Santiago (@TTISantiago) May 8, 2026

Three years after the enactment of Law No. 21,565, which provides reparations to victims of femicide and their families, data obtained by La Tercera shows that the State, through the National Service for Women and Gender Equality (SernamEG), has granted 221 pensions to children whose mothers were victims of completed femicide or femicide-related suicide. Regarding this, the Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Judith Marín, highlighted the scope of this policy, stating that "violence against women not only affects those who experience it directly, but also deeply impacts their surroundings and their families. This legislation allows us to partially compensate for something that is irreparable, providing protection and greater security to children." The Secretary of State further emphasized that "as a government, we will continue to work tirelessly to prevent violence against women. Our goal is clear: that no woman ever has to experience situations of violence because their safety is paramount." It is worth remembering that this legislation establishes a comprehensive protection system for children of femicide victims, including a monthly pension until the age of 18, which amounts to nearly 180,000 pesos, preferential access to the State's social protection system, and a one-year employment protection period for women who survived attempted or frustrated femicide. According to reported figures…

Early Friday morning, a fatal multi-vehicle accident occurred in the municipality of Lampa, resulting in at least three deaths. The incident took place on Route 5 North, heading towards Santiago, near the Cañaveral exit. The accident primarily involved a group of motorcyclists traveling on the route that night. Currently, traffic is suspended in the southbound direction, towards Santiago. Personnel from the Emergency Medical Services (SAMU) arrived at the scene to assist those affected and transport, in several ambulances, those with more serious injuries to various medical centers. As of the time of this report, investigators from the Traffic Accident Investigation Unit (SIAT) of the Carabineros (Chilean police) were expected to arrive to determine the cause of the collision. [🚫TRAFFIC SUSPENDED] Due to an accident at kilometer 16, in the La Montaña sector, heading south. Traffic is being diverted at kilometer 17.2, heading south, via the local road on the west side (La Montaña exit). Consider using the alternative route via the northeast radial highway, heading east. [Image of a traffic advisory] — Autopista Nueva Aconcagua (@Autop_Aconcagua) May 8, 2026

DEAR EDITOR: Regarding the letter about school attendance and the educational experience, it is important to remember that a significant portion of the habits that underpin educational pathways begin to develop in early childhood, primarily within the family environment. Consistent attendance at daycare centers and preschools is not optional or secondary; it is a responsibility and duty of parents, guardians, and caregivers, and should be instilled through routines in early childhood and through the example set by adults. According to data from the Subsecretariat of Early Childhood Education, the average attendance rate reached 78.9% in 2025, a figure that shows progress compared to 2024 (76.4%), but which is still far from the levels expected to ensure continuous and meaningful educational pathways. Furthermore, chronic absenteeism is equivalent to missing 10% of classes each year (20 days), a behavior that can have irreversible consequences for learning. Repeated absenteeism establishes habits that are then difficult to reverse in later stages of the educational journey. Therefore, in addition to strengthening public policies and support networks, it is necessary to make a clear call to families: taking children to daycare centers and preschools every day is a concrete expression of love, care, and commitment to their future. Education also means being present, fostering habits, and assuming the responsibility of supporting children from the…

The Senate committee, chaired by Senator Paulina Núñez (RN) and with Vice President Iván Moreira (UDI), has been working for months to promote, in parallel with the government, a comprehensive legislative agenda on security architecture aimed at strengthening the state's capacity to combat organized crime, violence, and emerging strategic risks. An example of this is the extensive list of over 10 parliamentary motions, bearing the signatures of Núñez, Moreira, and a group of cross-party senators, including Karim Bianchi, Alejandro Kusanovic, Iván Flores (DC), Paulina Vodanovic (PS), Gastón Saavedra (PS), among others. Indeed, this week, for example, Núñez and the other senators introduced a motion regarding the rules of use of force for the Gendarmerie (a national gendarmerie force). This is in connection with the recent constitutional reform, which transferred this institution from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Security, as it is now recognized as a force for law and order. "Today, Chileans expect a very simple thing from their authorities: that we put aside our differences and act with a sense of urgency in the face of the security crisis. From the presidency of the Senate, I have tried to contribute in that direction, promoting, together with various parliamentarians, more than ten initiatives related to organized crime, antisocial behavior, the protection of police and the armed forces, and the Rules of Use of Force (RUF) for the Gendarmerie..."

The vote was marked by a tense discussion between the parliamentarians and the executive branch, represented by the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, and the Director of Budget, José Pablo Gómez. When the session president, Deputy Agustín Romero (REP), began the voting process at 2:00 PM, the frustration of the opposition deputies took over the proceedings. They claimed that the actual agreement was to vote starting at 3:00 PM, after each member had a chance to present their arguments. Deputy Carlos Bianchi (Independent) addressed Romero and reminded him that "you requested an agreement to extend the session to begin voting at 3:00 PM, not to finish voting at 3:00 PM. That was the agreement... the understanding was that once the speeches were concluded, voting would begin, as it always has." Consequently, the other opposition parliamentarians voiced their concerns. Manouchehri (PS) stated that "they are leading the country towards a fiscal abyss, Mr. President. They are not even allowing us to speak... this is the authoritarian regime that Mr. Kast wants to impose." Finally, with 8 votes in favor, 4 against, and one abstention, the so-called "megareform" took a step forward in its process in the Congress. The votes in favor were from Agustín Romero (REP), José Carlos Meza (REP), Felipe Ross (REP), Eduardo Durán (RN), Diego Schalper (RN), Jaime Coloma (UDI), Flor Weisse (UDI), and Pier Karlezi (PNL). Against the project...

"Low level of oversight," "lack of equipment," and "inadequate supervision" are among the irregularities detected by the Regional Comptroller's Office of Tarapacá during an audit of the Regional Customs Office of Iquique (DRAI). The oversight body produced Final Report No. 16 of 2026, which states that the Iquique Customs Office did not have permanent access to equipment at key control points, including the Port of Iquique, the El Loa checkpoint, and the Free Zone, during January 2024 and March 2025. Furthermore, it was found that the full capacity of its technological equipment was not being utilized due to a lack of operational efficiency. The issues highlighted prevented effective oversight in strategic sectors, increasing the risk of failing to detect smuggling of goods and trafficking of drugs. Improvements without expected results While the report acknowledges an increase in annual seizures in areas such as drugs, intellectual property, cigarette smuggling, and public safety and health, with an increase from 616 to 972 seizures between 2020 and 2024, a lack of a systematic record-keeping system was observed. This system would allow for the consolidation, classification, and characterization of seized goods, as well as their traceability through physical and/or documentary examination. A low percentage of inspections was also identified: Of the 74,827 import operations in the perio…

The police ruled out the possibility of a robbery attempt, as had occurred in 2017 with a man whose alias may have been confused with that of the person who desecrated the grave.

The Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, downplayed the warnings from the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA), which identified nine direct risks that the massive reform being pushed by the government would create in the country's already fragile public finances. Emerging from the Finance Committee, which had just approved the government's flagship bill in principle, Quiroz stated that there were no errors in the initiative and reiterated the administration's core principle of reviving economic growth. "The most important thing is the strong agreement between the Autonomous Fiscal Council and our approach, that the measures included here allow for growth. Growth must be considered in the calculations, and the detailed observations that were made were addressed today by the Budget Directorate in this Committee," he said. The minister was also questioned by the press about the rift that had occurred with the People's Party (PDG), a political group that expressed its dissatisfaction because, in their opinion, the government had not kept its promise regarding the proposal to refund VAT for the purchase of diapers and medications for senior citizens. Quiroz said that they were in "excellent conversations" with that group and recalled that he had met this morning with the leader of the PDG, Franco Parisi, whose sister, the congresswoman Zandra Parisi, abstained from voting in the committee. "We are in excellent...

"I hope they continue to be so happy," Deputy Pamela Jiles (PDG) said with a sharp and threatening tone, expressing her displeasure with the ruling party's decision, with the government's support, to reject a proposal she and other legislators from her party had submitted. This proposal would have complemented the bill that creates harsher penalties for crimes against members of the educational community. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, happened just hours before the Partido de la Gente withdrew its agreement with the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, regarding the approval of a legislative proposal for the massive reconstruction and economic revitalization project. In the eyes of the PDG legislators, the economic chief had failed to deliver on his promise to submit a parallel proposal that would effectively reinstate the VAT refund for purchases of medicine and diapers. In the case of the incident involving Jiles, her frustration stemmed from a proposal that was being considered by the Constitutional Affairs Committee, of which she is a member. This regulation is one of the cornerstones of the agenda against school violence, alongside the "Protected Schools" bill, which has already been approved by the Chamber. Ironically, the governing coalition had made a gesture to Jiles weeks earlier by agreeing to merge the original initiative from La Moneda with a parliamentary motion presented by the PDG legislator and her colleagues. However, during the discussion within the Constitutional Affairs Committee, the executive branch presented...

Despite receiving an initial invitation from the Finance Committee, the Minister of Housing, Iván Poduje (independent), initially declined. However, he ultimately agreed to appear before the committee this Thursday to discuss the large-scale reconstruction and economic revitalization project. Hours before the proposal to legislate was put to a vote, which was approved thanks to the ruling party's majority, the Minister of Housing addressed some of the sector-specific measures included in the presidential initiative, such as the exemption of VAT on first homes and the plans to rebuild the Biobío and Valparaíso regions. Surprisingly, after his initial statement, Poduje – who last week clashed with the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, over budget cuts – received unexpected support from opposition parliamentarians. The congressman Boris Barrera (PC) even said that if the reconstruction measures had been separated, they would have already been approved by Congress. "There is an agreement here that is bipartisan, and it concerns the urgency of rebuilding the homes of families affected by the fires. I completely agree with that. Don't you think it would have been better, in order to optimize the time and make this more effective, to have presented a specific project for reconstruction?" However, he also said that since resources are needed, he asked Poduje, "Don't you think this project might negatively impact tax revenue?" "The independent Fiscal Council says so, so how will this be financed?"

The opposition parliamentarians had hoped that the response from the Directorate of Budgets (Dipres) would be as forceful as the analysis conducted by the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA). However, this did not happen, as the analysis presented by the director of Dipres, José Pablo Gómez, was brief and caused disappointment among the opposition legislators. "We were expecting a more comprehensive report," said Deputy Carlos Bianchi. Deputy Jorge Brito of the Broad Front echoed this sentiment, requesting a new financial report. PC Deputy Boris Barrera stated, "I regret the intransigence of the President (Romero) in not postponing the vote. The financial report must be clear and transparent, but here we have to combine the spreadsheet, the errata sheet prepared by Dipres, and the financial report. The work done by Dipres has been extremely sloppy." One of the key votes was that of DC Deputy Priscilla Castillo, who, along with rejecting the proposal, argued that "the report from the CFA has been crucial. While it seeks economic growth, it is not sufficient to close the fiscal deficit. Improving the quality of life remains uncertain. The complete absence of agricultural measures is concerning," she said. Despite the opposition's complaints and the demands made to the president of this body, Agustín Romero, for postponing the vote, the proposal was ultimately approved in general with the…

Chilean President José Antonio Kast’s flagship economic bill cleared its first congressional hurdle on Thursday, but the vote gives the new administration little respite as it works to muster legislative support.

The Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Fernando Rabat, attended a session of the Senate's Education Committee today to discuss the government's bill, known as "Safe Schools," which establishes security and order measures for the educational community. In this regard, in addition to highlighting the importance of this bill in addressing the situation faced by schools, the Secretary of State made some observations regarding certain provisions that were subsequently approved through amendments during the bill's discussion in the Chamber. At this point, the minister mentioned a provision that allows the administrators of educational institutions to include in their internal regulations the measure of inspecting students' backpacks, bags, and other personal belongings. While the Chamber of Deputies' Education Committee excluded the inspection of students' clothing, this aspect is still mentioned in the bill. "We believe that excluding the inspection of clothing is a provision that does not align with Article 87 TER proposed in the bill, and which was approved by the Chamber of Deputies, since that provision specifically allows for 'the inspection of clothing and personal belongings in educational institutions,'" the official stated. Furthermore, the minister also requested that consideration be given to the fact that if the purpose of the provision is to prevent the introduction of prohibited items...

In a meeting of the parliamentary group this Wednesday, the Christian Democratic Party (DC) finally decided not to support the government's National Reconstruction bill with its votes. According to sources within the party, the decision was influenced by the fact that the proposals presented to the executive branch during the meeting last Monday did not gain traction. During the meeting, the Christian Democratic parliamentarians also decided that the decision to reject the bill in general would be announced by Deputy Priscilla Castillo in the Finance Committee. Thus, the DC joins the main opposition parties, including the PS, PC, and FA, which maintain the position of voting against the massive reform, with which President José Antonio Kast intends to implement his "emergency government." The party's decision comes at a particularly complex time for the executive branch, which is trying to quickly push the initiative forward. This follows the negative report from the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA) on the miscellaneous bill, regarding the proposed fiscal adjustments, and the announcement this Wednesday by the People's Party (PDG) of the breakdown of the agreement with La Moneda. However, in the case of the latter, the possibility of resuming the agreement was opened this Thursday after a meeting between Franco Parisi and the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz.

Developing story.

The conflict in the Middle East continued to significantly influence Chile's foreign trade, with exports driven by the mining sector, while oil purchases increased imports. According to information released by the Central Bank this Thursday, exports rose by 7% year-on-year in April to US$9.718 billion, which, however, represented the lowest level since February. The increase was mainly due to a 14.1% rise in mining exports, totaling US$5.963 billion, also the lowest level since February. Within this category, copper exports, the country's main export product, rose by 0.3% to US$4.647 billion, marking the lowest level since February and the weakest performance since March 2024, when there was no change. Meanwhile, within the mining sector, non-copper products such as lithium carbonate, gold, lithium sulfate, and silver performed much better. For example, lithium carbonate exports jumped 175.6% to US$498 million. Regarding this, Bci Estudios stated in a report that the growth of mining exports in April was "strongly influenced by a price effect resulting from the global mining rally. Taking this factor into account, the quantities exported would have shown a significantly smaller expansion, with even a real contraction in copper concentrate exports." The remaining sectors recorded declines.

Faced with unemployment and informality rates in Chile that have reached 8.9% (10% for women) and 26.5% respectively, we must not only think outside the box, but break free from old paradigms with new measures to promote labor adaptability. Our Labor Code was created in 1931, and while it has been continuously reformed, it still maintains a logic of dependent employment that does not adapt to current realities and scenarios. While in the past, the focus was on job stability with clearly defined work spaces and schedules, today, cultural and technological changes have led to diverse career paths and a growing desire for flexibility, especially in terms of working hours, where absolute control over working time is increasingly at odds with what people want. Persisting with rules designed for a different era has costs in terms of productivity and unemployment. The report "Pivotes proposes: measures to make our labor legislation more flexible" (March 2026) demonstrates that labor flexibility is a key factor in productivity. While in most OECD countries, labor productivity shows an upward trend, in Chile, we have observed a stagnation in value added per worker for over two decades. Furthermore, greater rigidity in the labor market is also associated with higher unemployment rates. To illustrate this rigidity, consider the retail sector, which faces periods of high demand and others of…

A hug on the REC stage made public a reunion that had been brewing through afternoons of conversation and rehearsals. Quique Neira's reunion with Gondwana, after more than twenty years, marked a moment that will have a lasting impact with a unique show at the Bicentennial Stadium La Florida on September 5th. According to Quique Neira, the event at the REC was the "final trigger." And in a way, it was the push that led to the idea of doing a stadium show. "The inevitable question was answered with an epicness that we perhaps didn't anticipate," he told Culto. "Although during the rehearsal, we realized that the chemistry was still there. It was a very enjoyable day. And yes, that day in Concepción was the definitive push. Absolutely." From his side, the founder of the group I-Locks Labbe describes the impact of that reunion in the Biobío region. "The REC was the culmination of a series of encounters, conversations, and agreements, all related to feelings, friendship, and history. We decided that it was a good place to express our intention to revive beautiful moments from the history of reggae, the history of Gondwana, and what they have meant in Chile." Neira and I-Locks had reunited. And gradually, the energy began to flow again. "The truth is, we had been talking about this for years, precisely because it had been a long time since we were on separate paths," the singer said. "It was almost as if life itself was preparing us for this..."

The former presidential candidate and founder of the People's Party (PDG), Franco Parisi, expressed optimism about potentially resuming negotiations with the government regarding the National Reconstruction project, following a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz. The meeting between Parisi and the head of the treasury, held at Teatinos 120, lasted for approximately an hour, aiming to reopen dialogue between the two parties. This follows Wednesday's announcement by the PDG's parliamentary group, which rejected the idea of legislation and strongly criticized the government, claiming that the executive branch had not honored its commitments. "It was a very, very intense meeting. We are both strong personalities, and it wasn't easy, but we are reaching several agreements that I obviously need to convey all the information to our deputies. The deputies are the ones who decide. I need to be the link," Parisi said after the meeting. The leader of the PDG stated that the party is "very concerned about the middle class and the emerging middle class. And I believe we made significant progress. We were able to visualize how the reimbursement of medications and diapers would work. We discussed a reference basket for medications and a proposal for how the reimbursement for diapers would be structured." He then added: "We need to continue working. Our technical teams, from both the Ministry of Finance and the PDG, along with our deputies, will be working throughout the weekend. But I am very optimistic..."

The former executive vice president of CORFO, José Miguel Benavente, proposed creating a working group during the last council meeting under the administration of Gabriel Boric. The purpose of the group would be to define a rule that provides clarity regarding the amounts the government receives from lithium, considering that the current mechanisms have not achieved the desired results. It was 1:06 PM on February 23rd when CORFO held its last council meeting under Benavente's leadership. At the end of the meeting, they discussed a topic that had caused controversy a few months earlier, when they had overestimated the revenue from lithium by almost half. According to the meeting minutes, which Pulso accessed through a public records request, Benavente stated, "There have been various mechanisms and rules applied to determine the amounts transferred to the government, related to revenue from lithium generated by the leasing of mining rights in the Salar de Atacama. The most recent one was from the Ministry of Finance, approximately two years ago." "This rule, it is believed, has not functioned as intended. Therefore, Benavente proposes that the council form a working group as soon as possible to hold discussions, particularly with the Dipres, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Economy, Development, and Tourism, in order to define a rule that provides certainty to those involved..."

The Constitution, Legislation, Justice, and Rules Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved the bill yesterday, which establishes new aggravating factors for crimes committed against the educational community and within educational institutions, sending it to the Chamber. The initiative, promoted by the Executive Branch, is part of the announcements made by President José Antonio Kast as part of the "Protected Schools" program, and includes amendments to the Penal Code to increase penalties for crimes committed in educational institutions. In addition to this, the bill also merges another initiative that sought to sanction illegal acts against teachers and education assistants. Following the vote, it was decided that Deputy Luis Sánchez (Republican Party) would be the reporting deputy. Parliamentary Debate: Crimes committed against the educational community, against property, and through threats. During the voting on the various amendments made to the original bill, the focus was on the scope of the regulations and whether they apply to all levels of education, from preschool to higher education. After a procedural debate regarding the order in which the amendments would be voted on, the process proceeded according to the order requested by the Executive Branch. In this way, the text, approved by a vote of 7 in favor, 5 against, and 1 abstention, stipulates the following: The aggravating penalty will apply to crimes committed against individuals within the educational community while performing or in connection with their duties or participation...

In Chile, decisions regarding public funding cannot be analyzed without considering the role that municipalities play. It is at the local level, in the "comunas," that public policy becomes concrete, accessible, and part of people's daily lives: in primary healthcare, security, public spaces, and the quality of life in neighborhoods. For this role to be effectively fulfilled, local governments require financial stability and efficient management of their resources. In this context, initiatives such as the Municipal Technical Secretariat (promoted by progressive research centers) aim to strengthen the work of mayors and city councilors, who are the primary point of contact between the state and citizens. Weakening municipal funding sources not only affects numbers, but also directly impacts the state's ability to respond to the needs of the population. Today, the warning is not based solely on municipalist concerns, but is primarily supported by the analysis of the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA), presented to the Chamber of Deputies, which confirms that this major reform is a ticking time bomb for the Municipal Common Fund (FCM). For the municipal world, the CFA's evidence highlights a critical point. The Council explicitly identified the compensation to the FCM—due to the exemption of certain contributions—as a "potential permanent fiscal pressure." The government promises to compensate for the loss of this tax, which currently finances 61% of the entire FCM, with other resources...

Today, the Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, Ximena Ossandón (RN), addressed the events that occurred yesterday in Congress, following the Partido de la Gente (PDG)'s withdrawal from the agreement with the government regarding the major reform being promoted by President José Antonio Kast's administration. When questioned about this in an interview with Radio Agricultura, the deputy questioned the decision of the party's parliamentary group, stating that it would not condition this major project considering its importance for the country's economy. "I hear the parliamentary leader (Juan Marcelo Valenzuela) saying that the project does not meet expectations, but my question is, what exactly are those expectations? Because we see that we have experts on one side, experts on the other, some predict that it will go well, while others say that it cannot be guaranteed, but we must definitely move forward," she stated. This, she indicated, is because "today, we clearly have a rather poor economic development, and the question is, what are we going to do?" "President Kast's expectation is to return to at least 4% growth. I would be satisfied if, in these four years, we start to grow at 3%, but that we can see that we are growing more," she said. Therefore, the deputy expressed her opinion about the PDG, saying that they are "starting to put obstacles in the way of a project with slogans," but that, in her opinion, "it is perhaps because the draft they received regarding the reduction of taxes on medications and diapers was not exactly what they wanted..."

The Minister of Public Works, Martín Arrau, provided further details this Thursday regarding the number of correctional facilities that the government plans to build during President José Antonio Kast's administration. "We will be signing a mandate with the Ministry of Justice in the coming days, which will provide us with a list of prisons. We expect to announce this in the coming weeks," the Secretary of State told Radio13c. Earlier this week, he had already provided details about the government's expectations in this area. He explained that they hoped to make progress in the construction of over 20,000 additional prison beds. In this regard, he emphasized that they have a comprehensive plan in this area. "The previous government had already awarded contracts for some facilities through concessions, which were scheduled to begin construction at the end of this year. For example, the Arenal facility in Atacama, and others. This is already planned," he began explaining. He continued: "What we are proposing is a very significant change. I would say that there hasn't been a major advancement in the construction of correctional facilities since 2012. We are talking about approximately 10-12 additional correctional facilities." The Secretary of State mentioned that many of these projects will be located in areas that already have correctional facilities, but which would be expanded, particularly in areas with "minimal local impact." "We have also been studying this for three months, even before..."

A student died late at night after receiving an electric shock while participating in a practical class at the Inacap educational institution in the La Granja district, in the Metropolitan Region. The incident occurred at the facility located at Manuel Rodríguez with Avenida Américo Vespucio, where the 21-year-old student was handling an electrical panel as part of a practical assignment. According to Commissioner Karla Alarcón of the Southern Homicide Brigade of the Criminal Investigation Agency (PDI), "late at night, during a class inside the educational institution, one of the students, who was handling an electrical panel, received an electric shock. He was assisted by his classmates and then by medical personnel who arrived at the scene, but he later died inside the facility." According to what she added, "regarding the responsibility and the circumstances of the incident, investigations and expert analyses are still ongoing to determine what exactly happened and whether there is any responsibility, either on the part of the educational institution or the person who was handling the equipment."

A 26-year-old man died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds late at night in the Maipú district, in the Metropolitan Region. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM, when the perpetrators arrived at the El Carmen Hospital in Maipú in a white car. According to preliminary information, the deceased, a Chilean national, had six gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Three other men were also seriously injured and remain hospitalized. According to prosecutor Camila Palma of the ECOH, "This morning, around 10:30 AM, three injured individuals were brought to the El Carmen Hospital, and one man died from multiple gunshot wounds." The Homicide Brigade of the Investigative Police is investigating the incident to determine the circumstances. @ECOH_FiscaliaRM visited the El Carmen Hospital in Maipú, where a 26-year-old Chilean man, who had received six gunshot wounds, was brought in by car and pronounced dead upon arrival. Three other men were also injured in the same incident and are currently hospitalized in serious condition. pic.twitter.com/JPiiX6Tuo2 — ECOH_Fiscalia_RM (@ECOH_FiscaliaRM) May 7, 2026

The Criminal Investigation Agency (PDI) is investigating the discovery of a full-term fetus in the storage area of a Ripley store at the Mall Plaza Sur, in the municipality of San Bernardo. According to preliminary information, a forensic medical examination determined that the body belonged to a fetus between 40 and 41 weeks of gestation. The estimated time of death is between three and five days. The remains were found inside a bag, wrapped in a piece of clothing, and hidden inside a locker, after employees noticed a strong odor in the area. Police Commissioner Jorge Cádiz, of the PDI's Homicide Brigade, stated that "the cause of death is currently undetermined, pending the corresponding autopsy by the Forensic Medical Service (SML)." He also indicated that the investigation aims to determine how the body ended up in the location and who left it there. "We are analyzing security camera footage to determine how the body was transported inside the premises," explained the detective. The investigation is being directed by the Metropolitan West Prosecutor's Office, and the PDI's Forensic Laboratory (Lacrim) is also participating.

This Wednesday evening, after 6:00 PM, President José Antonio Kast held a meeting at the Palacio de La Moneda with over 130 mayors from across the country who are aligned with his administration. The meeting addressed issues such as security, education, and a proposed measure to exempt individuals over 65 years old from paying certain taxes, a component of his major reform that would directly impact the finances of municipalities. The meeting, held in the Montt Varas Hall of the Presidential Palace, was also attended by officials from 15 government ministries, including ministers and deputy ministers. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with the municipal leaders their perspectives on addressing the main regional challenges and to strengthen coordination between the executive branch and the municipalities. After the President spoke to the attendees for approximately 20 minutes, a dialogue session was opened, during which the mayors raised their concerns and proposals. Topics discussed included the proposed reduction in the territorial tax included in Kast's major reform and its impact on the Municipal Common Fund, as well as issues related to public safety and challenges in education, particularly in terms of school coexistence and the operation of Special Education Programs (SLEP). "What we are interested in is restoring institutional stability in Chile. All the mayors, regardless of political affiliations – and especially now that we are in a two-year period without elections – need to solve the everyday problems of the people. The street lighting, the… "

Following the announcement by the Partido de la Gente (PDG) caucus that they will reject the idea of legislating the government's major reform, accusing the executive branch of failing to uphold agreements reached, the leader of the party, Franco Parisi, expressed regret over the executive's actions. In an interview with 24 Horas, the economist stated that the proposal presented by La Moneda "clearly does not meet expectations." "It is petty and imposes highly questionable conditions," he said. "Three ministers gave their word" During the conversation, Parisi reiterated that one of the main demands of the party is the full reimbursement of VAT on diapers without age restrictions, and the refund of the tax for a basket of essential medicines. "Three ministers gave their word, shook hands, and it seems they have now forgotten, with a program that is far from meeting expectations and does not help people at all," he questioned. He also criticized the formula proposed by the executive branch. "What they are proposing, a three-month period, a bonus, and restrictions to adults using diapers... therefore, we do not agree. It is a shameful act by the government, it is upsetting and painful, mainly because the middle class needs this assistance," he stated. In the same vein, he said that the situation "is upsetting and painful, mainly because the middle class needs this assistance." Parisi also explained that the PDG's position...

Authorities intervened at the religious site and managed to apprehend the individual suspected of committing the act of vandalism.

The mayor of Independencia, Agustín Iglesias, warned – in an interview with Juan Andrés Quezada and Rodrigo Álvarez – that if the government "doesn't change the things they said they would change" in terms of security, "patience will run out, and that will strongly impact" the presidential palace, La Moneda. Do you believe that your municipality is safer since President Kast took office? It's too early to say that. Too early because you haven't seen any changes? Because it hasn't been that long. What I would say is that I miss seeing more emphasis on the issue of security within the government, which should be their core focus. People elected President Kast because of his commitment to combating irregular migration and crime, and in this area, there is little patience, or it runs out very quickly. If there are no results, if there are no planes leaving the country (with irregular migrants), if they don't change the things they said they would change, patience will run out, and that will strongly impact this government. In an interview with La Tercera, Minister Trinidad Steinert said that immediate results could not be shown. What is your timeframe? Asking for time in terms of security and migration is reasonable. The problem, more than a lack of results, is a lack of prominence. The Minister of Finance has had much more prominence than the Minister of Security. I want to see more of the Minister of Security and less of the Minister of Finance. (...) The security emergency plan remains the most important. That's why prominence is so crucial...

"The problem is that a flawed working model was established," says Justice Minister Fernando Rabat, addressing the resignations of members of the Truth and Childhood Commission. In an interview on the streaming program "Desde la Redacción" by La Tercera, hosted by Rodrigo Álvarez and Juan Manuel Ojeda, the Secretary of State also responds to criticisms he has received from some of his predecessors regarding his work on human rights issues. Members of the Truth and Childhood Commission resigned, reflecting underlying tensions. What is the current status of the commission, and what triggered the resignations? This commission is very important to us; it is a duty for the State. Just a few days ago, I met a young man who was part of a foundation related to children who were formerly under the care of the Sename (a social welfare agency), and I assured him that the State would not fail him again. In what way will the State not fail the children of the Sename? By taking a commission that had established a working model six months ago, a model that did not work, because out of a universe of 700,000 people who passed through the Sename, only 233 interviews had been conducted. We were averaging less than one interview per month, which means that to complete the entire process, it would have taken approximately 700 years. We, as a State, cannot allow a commission in those conditions to remain unchanged. We will implement that change by...

On Wednesday, the group of deputies from the Renovación Nacional (RN) party held a meeting with the Minister of Security, Trinidad Steinert, with the aim of coordinating the public safety agenda and formally presenting a series of proposals designed to address the current situation in this area. During the meeting, the parliamentarians reaffirmed their willingness to contribute with concrete measures, offering the executive branch a set of initiatives aimed at strengthening both the ministry's operations and the state's response to crime. In this context, the head of the parliamentary group, Deputy Diego Schalper, stated that they presented the Secretary of State with "three important documents": a text including 100 measures related to security; the 15 projects that RN believes should be prioritized on the legislative agenda; and a third document containing "a series of specific elements to consider, especially in territorial management, which we have identified through the work of our deputies." Regarding this, Schalper emphasized that, from the party led by Antonio Varas, they presented Steinert with "proposals in three areas: strategic, legislative, and operational." Thus, the 15 projects on the legislative agenda prioritized by RN include measures to strengthen police powers, toughen penalties for crimes such as kidnapping, and...

In 2013, the Congress approved a bill that modified the formula for calculating the Maximum Conventional Rate (TMC), the maximum rate allowed by law for credit transactions. Specifically, the change was made to reduce the interest rates charged by financial institutions on smaller loans, up to 200 UF (approximately $8 million today), for consumer credit. While some segments of the population benefited from this reduction, individuals considered higher risk – those belonging to lower socioeconomic groups – and who did not qualify as bank customers, were forced to resort to other financing options, in some cases, informal loans, even "loan sharking," which charge usurious rates exceeding 100% annually. In addition to the financial industry, there have recently been voices from experts recommending a relaxation of the TMC. However, until now, no concrete proposals had been made regarding how this should be implemented. That changed this Wednesday, when, during a meeting organized by the Faculty of Economics, Business, and Government at the Universidad San Sebastián, economist and partner at Valtin Consulting, Hermann González, presented a study he had recently developed in collaboration with economists Alberto Belmar and Oscar Perelló. The study was commissioned by the Financial Retail Association and proposes four ways in which the TMC could be relaxed. The study is...

The Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, responded to the critical report issued by the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA) regarding a key project of the José Antonio Kast administration, through a press release. "The context of short- and medium-term fiscal stress requires that the financial report for the project be prepared with a focus on fiscal prudence," stated the CFA, which also said that "a transversal risk of the initiative is the mismatch between fiscal costs and benefits." Furthermore, the CFA noted that "if the projected increase in revenue, achieved through economic growth, does not materialize, even partially, it could lead to an additional deterioration in the fiscal situation, further straining the already tight fiscal context." The report also listed nine risks, but acknowledged the focus on economic growth. Given this scenario, the minister, while acknowledging the agreement on the importance of economic growth, stated: "The CFA shares our prioritization of economic growth." However, regarding the criticisms made by the CFA, the Secretary of State responded that "we need to clarify the methodology used. Specifically, the CFA examines the effects measure by measure, and overlooks what we believe is the necessary cross-analysis of all measures as a whole, taking into account the effects of general equilibrium," he explained. Regarding the observations raised by the organization, Minister Quiroz stated that tomorrow (Thursday) at the Commission...

The ambitious reform plan proposed by the government of José Antonio Kast suffered a setback when the Partido de la Gente (PDG) withdrew its support, accusing the executive branch of failing to uphold the agreements reached. The PDG's decision triggered a series of reactions in Congress, from both the ruling party and the opposition. From the Frente Amplio coalition, Congressman Jorge Brito argued that the PDG was "making a responsible decision," linking the withdrawal to concerns about the fiscal impact of the initiative. "We know that the government has offered them everything to secure their votes, but they represent the people, and today the people are paying the price for the economic management of Minister Quiroz," he stated. The congressman added that "no amount of power is worth the risk of leading Chile to a precipice, which would be a sustained fiscal deficit with a significant loss of revenue." Along the same lines, Socialist Congressman Daniel Manouchehri said that "it is good news for Chile that more parties are joining the cause of common sense," also referring to the observations made by the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA). "I believe that the PDG is doing the right thing, because you cannot negotiate the core principles in exchange for secondary considerations," he argued. Furthermore, he criticized the executive branch for its handling of the negotiations with the PDG. "The government has not been able to honor an agreement with a political party," he stated. His colleague from the PS, Juan Santana, noted that the situation...

This afternoon, the group of deputies from the PDG party withdrew their support for the massive reform promoted by the government of José Antonio Kast, accusing the executive branch of failing to uphold its commitments. "Unfortunately, the government did not keep its word," stated Juan Marcelo Valenzuela, the head of the party's parliamentary group. "We were very clear in requesting a refund of VAT on medications and diapers, and we received a bonus instead," he added. In this context, he pointed out that the project presented by the current administration does not consider the middle class "in any way."

Now, everything is a communication problem within the government. It's an old tactic, like the "black box": when policy fails, the blame is shifted to communication. The government is to blame for preferring to abdicate its political and managerial responsibilities, leaving communication to the task of sustaining narratives that don't reflect reality. Fueled by the presidential victory, the mistake is to believe that there's a free pass to do whatever they want without encountering political or social resistance. If we add to this the possibilities that generative AI opens up, the government faces a crucial test. Will they create nonexistent images (obviously to make things seem more impactful) or nonexistent videos, in nonexistent contexts? And when AI is used, will it be clearly and visibly disclosed? There are countless questions for government communication, and it will be up to this administration to set an example. Amidst all this is the language that underpins communication. We see how it's manipulated to influence public opinion. The best example was referring to the "State of Chile" as a "state in bankruptcy," without reflecting on the implications of such a statement. It was the Minister of Finance who put a stop to this rhetorical tactic, which had damaged the political climate with the outgoing government. Then came the episode of the Ministry of Finance's official document. It detailed the 142 programs that the ministries must "discontinue" for...

In 2025, 327 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the city, which highlights the severity of the problem.

Recently, new information regarding fuel prices for the coming days has been released, showing minor variations in gasoline and a decrease in diesel. The data is published by Enap, through its weekly price report, which provides an overview of the costs to consider each week. Fuel prices will change starting this Thursday, May 7th. The following price variations are effective from this Thursday: - 93 octane gasoline: increases by $0.1 per liter. - 97 octane gasoline: decreases by $0.6 per liter. - Kerosene: no change. - Diesel: decreases by $47.3 per liter. - LPG for vehicles: increases by $49.3 per liter. It is important to note that Enap clarifies that its publication "does not set or regulate fuel prices in the Chilean market," and that the final prices paid by consumers are determined by the distribution companies, which set them independently.

The perpetrator, who also called himself "666," was apprehended at the scene and turned over to the prosecutor's office. Authorities are assessing the damage caused by the vandalism.

A group of female members of parliament presented a proposal to update the Quotas Law, which governs the participation of women in parliamentary elections – a law that is currently in effect until the next election in 2029. The current law, enacted in 2015, is nearing the end of its term, which prompted the members of parliament, Andrea Parra (PPD), Ximena Ossandón (RN), Zandra Parisi (PDG), Carolina Tello (FA), Carolina Cucumides (PS), and Marcela Hernando (PR), to propose a motion to make it permanent and, at the same time, increase the minimum percentage of female candidates in parliamentary elections from 40% to a 50/50 ratio. According to parliamentarian Andrea Parra, the Quotas Law plays a fundamental role in promoting female participation, and since its approval, it has increased the presence of women in the Chamber and the Senate. "Thanks to this law, I became the first woman in history to be elected as a member of parliament for the Northern Araucanía region, after years of only male representation. We went from a 6% participation of women in parliament in 1990, and with the law, we have managed to exceed 30% today. We know that this levels the playing field, although it is still insufficient; we are still underrepresented, but it is necessary to maintain this law and not lose it." Meanwhile, parliamentarian Ossandón stated that the Quotas Law has made Congress better and more balanced, but there is still much progress to be made. "This is not about being politically correct..."

Following the electronic draw held on April 29th, the judges selected to form the Judicial Ethics Council accepted their positions, and the initial composition of the council, consisting of four judicial members, was officially established. These members include Supreme Court Justice Omar Astudillo, Appeals Court Justice Marisol Ponce of Talca, Criminal Court Judge Sergio Pizarro of Valparaíso, and Guarantee Court Judge Jessica Bascuñán of Rancagua. The council was created as a response from the judiciary to the crisis associated with the so-called "Audio" case, which involved scandals such as the one that led to the former Supreme Court Justice Ángela Vivanco being formally charged and placed under preventive detention for allegedly being bribed for her rulings. The Code of Ethics for the Judiciary, developed through a participatory process and under the leadership of Justice Adelita Ravanales, and approved in November, created this council as a preventive, advisory, and guidance body. The council's primary mission is to review and resolve consultations or situations related to the ethical conduct of members of the judicial staff, promoting standards of integrity and probity that govern the institution through its rulings. The fifth member must be an academic with training in philosophy or applied ethics, and will be chosen by the remaining judicial members of the council, once it is formed.

Following the controversy that arose between the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, and some economists regarding projections for increases in gasoline prices, ENAP announced this Wednesday that the price fluctuations will be almost negligible. According to the state-owned company, the price of 93 octane gasoline would increase by $0.1 per liter this week, while the price of 97 octane gasoline would decrease by $0.6. Meanwhile, kerosene would remain unchanged, while the price of diesel would decrease by $47.3 per liter.

The Undersecretary of Public Security, Andrés Jouannet, presented data today at the Senate's Education Committee, which is currently discussing a bill that establishes security, order, and respect measures for the educational community, focusing on the issue of school violence affecting the country. Regarding this, the Undersecretary detailed that the data presented were compiled from information provided by the Chilean National Police (Carabineros de Chile), processed by the Center for Studies and Analysis of Crimes (CEAD) – a department of the Undersecretariat for Crime Prevention – and supplemented with data from reports received by the Superintendency of Education during the period 2022-2025. These analyses excluded crimes of a sexual nature, sexual abuse, rape, and other sexual offenses, as well as offenses related to the consumption or simple transportation of drugs. The analysis was divided into five categories: crimes against life and personal integrity; robbery involving some degree of violence; crimes associated with drugs, including trafficking, micro-trafficking, production, and other offenses; serious acts of misconduct, specifically threats involving weapons, petty offenses, and public brawls; and crimes involving weapons. The CEAD, he explained, analyzed data from a total of 13,465 educational institutions geographically located throughout the country. Of this total, 7,364 institutions, representing 54.6%, reported…

President José Antonio Kast affirmed that he will maintain the urgency of the mega-reform project, despite the risks warned by the Autonomous Fiscal Council (CFA). When asked about the CFA's report, the President of the Republic stated that "the Autonomous Fiscal Council has always produced reports that we value. We value this one as well, to improve. But we are not going to halt progress so that Chile can grow again." Regarding the criticisms raised by opposition parliamentarians, Kast stated that this is the time to receive "concrete proposals," but that, so far, the criticisms are merely "slogans." "If there is a debate, then let it happen now. Let them make concrete proposals, because what we have seen so far are slogans. We have not seen a concrete proposal from any opposition parliamentarian." Despite the problems highlighted by the organization, the country's top leader emphasized the need for growth, a key aspect of the mega-reform that the CFA's report itself recognized. "Everyone agrees that Chile needs to grow again and provide certainty for investment. And these political debates do not provide certainty; they create uncertainty," he declared.

New car sales rose again in April, but at a slower pace than the previous month. According to the National Automotive Association of Chile (ANAC), based on data from the Motor Vehicle Registry, a division of the Civil Registry, the sale of new and medium-sized vehicles totaled 27,572 units, representing an annual increase of 5.5%. However, this increase was lower than the 6.1% recorded in March, and the number of units sold was only slightly above the 27,358 recorded in that month. "In a context that remains challenging for consumption and investment, the Chilean automotive sector showed a limited improvement in its results," ANAC stated in its report. With the April results, a total of 102,549 units have been sold so far this year, equivalent to a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. ANAC indicated that the increase in 2026 occurred "despite a local situation lagging behind the recovery of other durable goods, but with improvements in real wage indicators, more favorable credit conditions, and lower interest rates that have reactivated the sector. Meanwhile, the international sector continues to be marked by greater energy volatility, geopolitical tensions, and consumers who are more sensitive to the operating costs of vehicles." Specifically, ANAC added, "the international rise in oil prices and its effect on fuels has driven..." (The sentence is incomplete in the original text).

Starting today, Wednesday, students from the Liceo José Victorino Lastarria school in the Providencia district have initiated a sit-in at the school. The decision was made after a vote by the Student Council, where the option to stage a protest received the majority with 33 votes in favor, 1 against, and 1 null vote. Among the reasons for the protest, as listed by the students in their demands, are the lack of substitute teachers, the poor condition of the floors and bathrooms, delays in processing late payment notices, the inconsistent availability of the school nurse, and the need for improved first aid services. In addition to these issues, the students also cited problems such as delays in make-up exams, difficulties in interacting with teachers, a lack of flexibility regarding late payments, problems with projectors, a lack of equipment in the music class, the poor condition of the dressing rooms and electrical outlets, poor organization in elective courses, problems with malfunctioning computers, broken soccer goals and basketball hoops, and the price of the school pass. Furthermore, the students also expressed their "disgust" with the "Escuelas Protegidas" (Protected Schools) project, a government initiative currently under consideration in Congress – which, among other measures, includes the inspection of backpacks within educational institutions – and the cuts in education funding.