Boric Opposes Kast's Security Reform, Faces Criticism from Ruling Party

Former Chilean President Gabriel Boric has publicly opposed a proposed constitutional reform by the current government, which includes provisions for an extended state of siege. Boric, who served as president from 2022 to 2026, described the reform's potential for a 240-day state of siege, with exclusive presidential authority, as "a limitation of freedoms that has not been seen, unprecedented in Chilean democracy."

His remarks came during the presentation of his former Finance Minister Mario Marcel's latest book. The proposed reform, sent to the Senate by President José Antonio Kast, introduces a new state of exception for grave public security threats, potentially lasting eight months with further legislative extensions. Under this measure, the president could restrict personal freedoms, assembly, and communications, and requisition property.

Boric urged for "frank, respectful, but open, clear, and firm opposition" to the reform. The proposal also allows the executive to designate groups as terrorist or organized crime entities, subject to review by the Public Ministry or the National Security Council and requiring a two-thirds Senate vote in secret session. This reform is part of a broader package against organized crime and terrorism.

However, Boric's strong stance has drawn criticism from within the ruling party. Diego Schalper, head of the National Renewal party's bloc, questioned Boric's role, calling him an "amnesiac and external analyst." Schalper alluded to Boric's previous administration, suggesting that his government's attempts at "institutional refoundation" also threatened liberties, a point previously criticized by former President Eduardo Frei as a "legal dictatorship," a characterization Boric had supported.

The debate highlights a significant political divide over security measures and the balance between public safety and civil liberties in Chile. Boric's intervention sets a critical tone for the upcoming legislative discussion on the government's security agenda.