Boric and Matthei Reject Chile’s Kast Security Reform

Former President Gabriel Boric and veteran right-winger Evelyn Matthei both rejected Chile's Kast security reform this week, according to the source. The bill would grant one person extraordinary powers, including the ability to declare a 240-day state of siege with exclusive presidential authority. Boric argued that the reform seeks to install such a state of siege, representing a significant limitation of liberties unprecedented in Chilean democracy.

Matthei, speaking to Radio Pauta on August 18, was even more blunt, stating that changing the constitution would not end Chile's security problems and expressing concerns about the potential misuse of emergency powers in the wrong hands. The reform, part of the government's ACOT package, requires a constitutional change and would establish a new state of exception for dealing with grave and imminent threats to public security.

The proposed changes, which need a two-thirds majority in both chambers, have faced opposition from several senators, including those from Renovación Nacional and the Partido Nacional Libertario, as well as some from the government coalition.