President Kast meets regional governors over budget cuts

Chilean President José Antonio Kast convened with regional governors at La Moneda Palace to address concerns over proposed budget cuts. The meeting, which included Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz, focused on the potential adverse effects these reductions could have on municipal services.

The Association of Regional Governors (Agorechi) voiced strong apprehension, warning that the budget cuts could directly harm local administrations. Minister Quiroz, however, signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue. He pledged to meet with each governor individually to assess which areas of spending could be adjusted or preserved.

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The most important thing is that there will be a particular analysis of each of the regions.

Governor Alejandro Santana of Los Lagos expressed a glimmer of hope following the minister's commitment. "The most important thing is that there will be a particular analysis of each of the regions," Santana stated. He noted the minister's example of reviewing a 3% adjustment in some ministries, which led to modifications, as a positive sign.

Santana emphasized that a thorough review of each portfolio, program, and infrastructure project funded by regional governments is necessary. He believes that Minister Quiroz's detailed evaluation will be crucial in determining the extent of the cuts and their impact on regional development.

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We realized that in some ministries applying the 3% adjustment was possible to review and in some cases it was modified.