Chilean Lower House Forms Investigative Committee Over Ex-Minister Steinert's PDI Interactions

The Chamber of Deputies has formally constituted an investigative committee to scrutinize the interactions between former Security Minister Trinidad Steinert and the PDI, Chile's investigative police force. This significant step was prompted by a ruling from the Comptroller General, which found that Steinert had overstepped her legal boundaries during the controversial dismissal of Consuelo Peña, the PDI's former deputy director of Intelligence.

The decision to form the committee arose after opposition parties, unable to reach a consensus on other measures, advocated for a constitutional accusation against Steinert. In response, the leadership of the Chamber proposed the creation of this investigative body. The committee's composition reflects the political landscape, with an equal split of six deputies from the ruling coalition and six from the opposition, including representation from the Christian Democrats. Additionally, one deputy from the small Party of the People will join the panel.

The committee is slated to commence its operations this Tuesday. Its initial tasks will include electing a president and determining which individuals will be summoned for questioning in subsequent sessions. The proceedings aim to clarify the extent of Steinert's involvement and the legality of her actions concerning the PDI's internal affairs, particularly the removal of a high-ranking intelligence official.