Chilean Chamber Rejects Steinert Investigation Commission

Chile's Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday rejected a bid by the opposition to establish a special investigative commission. The commission aimed to review the performance of former Security Minister Trinidad Steinert, prompted by observations from the Comptroller General's Office.

The proposal fell short of the required 62 votes, with 58 in favor, 38 against, and six abstentions. Several lawmakers were absent during the vote, contributing to its failure.

Lawmaker Patricio Pinilla lamented the outcome, calling the investigative commission a valuable tool for clarifying "doubtful aspects" of the former minister's nomination, management, and actions. He criticized opposition members who did not participate in the vote, stating, "Because of them, they did not vote and the creation of an investigative commission failed." Pinilla expressed hope to reintroduce the motion, stressing the need for "more responsibility and order to avoid embarrassments like this."

Meanwhile, lawmaker Raúl Leiva indicated that an official request was sent to the Comptroller General's Office supporting its findings. He stated that the minister's actions were outside the regulatory framework and that the current security minister, as Steinert's legal successor, should comment on the Comptroller's report. Regarding rumors of Steinert potentially taking a role in the Foreign Ministry, Leiva called it a "complex issue for the government to define," adding that while he wouldn't restrict her work freedom, he expected the Comptroller's findings on her public service conduct to be resolved first.

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Debido a ello, no votaron y fracasó la creación de una comisión investigadora