Kast’s Security Reform Hits a Wall on His Own Side
Chile's president wants eleven changes to the constitution to fight organised crime — and the first party to say no was one of his own. The post Kast’s Security Reform Hits a Wall on His Own Side appeared first on The Rio Times .
The Chilean security reform faced opposition within the government's own party, the UDI, causing delays and confusion. On Sunday, August 16, the UDI's president, Guillermo Ramírez, announced his party would not support the reform due to concerns about the method, not the goal. The reform, initially announced to have eleven changes, was reduced to eight constitutional amendments in the final text filed with Congress on Tuesday, August 18.
The most controversial element is a new state of exception, allowing the president to declare martial law for up to 120 days if public security is under threat. Despite the UDI's initial opposition, pollster Guillermo Ramírez later indicated the party would likely give its support once the text is officially presented. The reform, called ACOT, aims to combat organized crime and terrorism by granting the president special powers and creating separate prisons for serious offenders.
Opposition parties, including Renovación Nacional, support the security agenda but oppose the creation of a permanent state of emergency. The outcome of the Senate vote will determine whether the reform passes, with implications for Chile's stability and attractiveness to foreign investors.
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.
