Chilean Senator Rejects "Madness" of Limiting Health Benefits for Convicted Criminals

Senator Matías Walker has strongly denounced a government initiative that seeks to restrict access to certain social and health benefits for individuals convicted of terrorism or organized crime. Walker labeled the proposal as "madness" and unequivocally stated that it would not receive his vote.

The proposed measure aims to disqualify these convicted individuals from accessing specific social benefits, including health and education, for up to 15 years after their sentences are completed. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from Walker, who believes such a provision is unconstitutional and overly punitive.

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Don't count on my vote for this madness: a constitutional provision that mandates (not empowers) the legislator to disqualify access to 'any social benefit financed with state resources' even up to 15 years after completing a sentence.

Walker's opposition stems from his interpretation that the proposal infringes upon fundamental rights. He specifically pointed to the constitutional article guaranteeing the right to health protection, arguing that the government's plan mandates the limitation of these benefits, rather than merely providing an option. He detailed potential impacts, suggesting that essential services like the GES health plan, vaccinations, and even basic hospital provisions could be affected, alongside other state-funded social assistance programs.

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It does have to do with health, because the text of your draft itself alludes to Article 19 number nine, which precisely enshrines the right to health protection.