Chile 2027 Budget Education Cuts Draw Fire From Kast Allies, Who Target Rights Body

Chile's 2027 education budget cuts have sparked internal opposition within President José Antonio Kast's coalition. On October 3, deputies from the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) pledged to reverse the cuts, targeting two programs: Bicentenario merit high schools and laptop grants. The UDI aims to save these programs by proposing budget adjustments to the National Human Rights Institute (INDH).

In a statement, UDI deputies expressed "deep concern" over the lower funding for both programs and called the Bicentenario schools "a true beacon" for middle-class and lower-income families. Caucus leader Flor Weisse emphasized that the laptop grants "must not be eliminated, it must be strengthened." The UDI claims they share the government's goal of a leaner state but promised an "exhaustive review" of budget lines to find funding for education.

The overall education budget totals CLP 18.16 trillion (approximately US$18.5 billion), a 0.78% increase from 2026 in real terms. However, several lines within this budget, including Bicentenario schools and the Education Recovery Fund, experience sharp reductions of 46.71% and 55.2%, respectively. The laptop grants, costing about CLP 35 billion (around US$35.6 million), reached 96,100 pupils but have no allocated funding in the current bill.

The government asserts that committed Bicentenario projects retain their money, with no new schools planned. The INDH, which monitors human rights in Chile and publishes annual reports, is accused of political bias by the UDI based on its handling of the 2019 protests. UDI deputies plan to cut the INDH's budget to CLP 1,000 (approximately US$1), potentially forcing its closure until governance reforms are enacted.

The INDH has defended its spending, stating that a CLP 250 million (about US$255,000) events contract was publicly tendered and audited. The government remains firm in its decision to not close the institute, with Justice Minister Fernando Rabat advocating for a deep reform of its powers and composition instead. Education Minister María Paz Arzola stated that the laptop scheme has not yielded the expected impact on learning and that Congress will decide its fate.

The full budget detail will reach the Chamber of Deputies on October 5, allowing lawmakers to review Kast's proposed changes. It remains uncertain whether the UDI can gather sufficient votes to reassign funds from the INDH to education programs. As of October 3, no public response from the government or the INDH had been reported.