Kast faces new crisis as 20 government delegates resign in regions

Santiago, Chile – President José Antonio Kast's administration is grappling with a significant internal crisis following the abrupt resignations of 20 government delegates, known as Seremis, across Chile's 16 regions within just two months. This exodus has opened a new front of criticism against the government's management and stability.

The latest departure was Camila Alonso, the regional ministerial secretary (Seremi) for National Property in the Antofagasta region, who, like many before her, cited "personal reasons." However, opposition congressman Jaime Araya pointedly criticized the "disorder and lack of coordination" generated by the "Segundo Piso" – the president's closest advisors – whose "million-dollar salaries paid with public funds" he deemed "irresponsible, arrogant, and useless."

This internal friction appears to stem from a power struggle between various government spokespeople and the influential "Segundo Piso" advisors. Local media reports suggest a failure to harmonize their work, leading to significant governance problems. The instability is further highlighted by the rapid turnover in regional appointments, with some Seremis lasting only a single day in their posts, including those for Culture in Aysén and the Metropolitan Region, and several others in Valparaíso, Biobío, Los Ríos, Los Lagos, La Araucanía, and Antofagasta.

President Kast, Chile's first far-right leader since the return to democracy, is facing one of his most complex weeks. He is currently championing a tax reform designed to stimulate economic growth through substantial tax reductions. However, the opposition has voiced strong doubts about the reform's effectiveness, arguing it "does not guarantee" increased economic activity or job creation. The government aims for the reform's approval before September to present its first budget by year-end.

Adding to the administration's woes, the Minister of Finance, Jorge Quiroz, recently admitted to prioritizing passing the costs of conflict onto citizens rather than increasing national debt through fuel price hikes. Simultaneously, the Minister of Housing, Iván Poduje, was summoned to La Moneda presidential palace following public disputes with lawmakers from both the opposition and the ruling coalition, as well as with Minister Quiroz himself over his policies.

“

It cannot be the disorder and lack of coordination generated by the Segundo Piso (the name given in Chile to the closest advisors), with million-dollar salaries paid with public funds. They should be fired for being irresponsible, arrogant, and useless, for hindering management.