Chile Security Reform Signed: What Kast’s Plan Means
President José Antonio Kast signed a constitutional reform on public security Monday, sending it to Congress with fast-track urgency. The post Chile Security Reform Signed: What Kast’s Plan Means appeared first on The Rio Times .
On Monday, August 10, 2026, President José Antonio Kast signed a constitutional reform on public security in Chile. The measure, which he claims will alter the nation's approach to organized crime, was immediately sent to Congress with "urgencia suma" (highest urgency). Congress is expected to review the bill within two to three months.
The reform transforms public security into a constitutional duty of the State, granting the government stronger legal foundations for its policies. It also establishes a registry of criminal organizations and creates separate prison regimes for organized crime and terrorism convictions. These measures aim to disrupt criminal operations from within through tougher conditions and the seizure and destruction of illicit assets.
Additionally, the bill enables the deployment of armed forces in areas with serious criminal conduct under a state of exception, a legal emergency status that grants temporary powers to authorities. The government seeks to fast-track the bill, requesting "urgencia suma" to prioritize its approval. However, the reform requires a quorum of 4/7 in both chambers of Congress, meaning the government must negotiate with opposition parties to secure passage.
The government holds a minority of seats in both chambers, thus needing support from opposition parties to pass the reform.
Written by urgent.news from The Rio Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
