Monckeberg supports Duco's exit, praises Defense Minister's stance against U.S.

Former minister Cristián Monckeberg (RN) has backed the departure of former athlete Natalia Duco from the Ministry of Sport, calling it a necessary correction to the government's initial ministerial appointments. Monckeberg, who previously served as minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency (Segpres), stated that the government's initial design for ministerial roles "clearly has not yielded the results that were expected."

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There is clearly a problem there regarding the design in the search for people to put in charge of public functions, public positions, and experience versus those who did not have it. There must always be a balance, that is taught and studied, it is not exclusive to our country.

Monckeberg highlighted a perceived issue with the selection process for public office, suggesting a need for better balance between experience and inexperience. "There is clearly a problem there regarding the design in the search for people to put in charge of public functions, public positions, and experience versus those who did not have it. There must always be a balance, that is taught and studied, it is not exclusive to our country," he commented.

However, Monckeberg commended President José Antonio Kast for swiftly addressing the situation, even if the cabinet reshuffle occurred just 60 days after appointments, an unprecedented move in Chile's return to democracy. He emphasized that "it had to happen at some point, and the worst thing was to keep dragging it out."

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It had to happen at some point, and the worst thing was to keep dragging it out.

Regarding Duco's exit, Monckeberg found it "evident" that her position was no longer tenable, especially after her justification to the Comptroller General's Office regarding a work meeting that was, in reality, a party. He also expressed positive surprise at Defense Minister Fernando Barros's firm stance against proposals from U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who urged Latin American countries to increase military spending and join anti-drug operations. Monckeberg described Barros's response as a "strong statement, a 'parada de carros' (a telling-off)," which he found "pleasantly surprising."

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The Defense Minister's action is quite surprising from a positive point of view, because it is a strong statement, a 'parada de carros'. I am pleasantly surprised.