Chile court official alleges ex-minister pressured him on judge appointment

A high-ranking official within Chile's Supreme Court has provided testimony alleging that former minister Ángela Vivanco exerted pressure on him. Sergio Quiroz Manríquez, an official in the Supreme Court's Tablas Unit, stated to the Public Ministry that Vivanco sought to exclude Supreme Court Justice María Soledad Melo from the Third Chamber. In her place, Vivanco allegedly wanted to appoint former Justice Diego Simpertigue, who is currently under investigation.

Quiroz Manríquez's testimony, part of the Fundamenta case, suggests Vivanco argued she had a "personal problem" with Melo and that Melo "had no idea about Public Law." The alleged maneuver, according to the investigation, was intended to facilitate the processing of the large-scale Eco Egaña real estate project. This project is reportedly linked to lawyers who have close ties to both Vivanco and Simpertigue.

The case highlights potential judicial influence peddling within Chile's highest court, raising questions about the integrity of judicial appointments and the influence of external parties on legal proceedings, particularly concerning significant development projects.

“

Es complicado decir no a un ministro de la Suprema