Chilean Opposition Files Interpellation Against Foreign Minister Pérez Mackenna

The Chilean opposition has filed an interpellation against Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna, marking the first such action against a member of President José Antonio Kast's cabinet. Led by Socialist Deputy Nelson Venegas, the initiative gathered 62 votes, exceeding the 52 required. The interpellation is expected to take place on September 29, following the return of President Kast and Minister Pérez from the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The move is primarily driven by tensions with Argentina regarding sovereignty over the Strait of Magallanes, as well as concerns over the handling of relations with the United States and tariffs applied to Chile.

Criticism of the Foreign Minister has emerged from across the political spectrum. Center right sources highlight that members of the governing coalition, including the UDI and the National Libertarian Party, have described the government's response to Argentina as weak or lacking clarity. Conversely, center left sources emphasize the opposition's view that the foreign policy leadership has been confused and pusillanimous, with some legislators claiming it is the worst management of foreign affairs since the return to democracy.

In other government developments, Alejandro Irarrázaval, the coordinator of presidential advisors, testified before a commission investigating former Security Minister Trinidad Steinert. Irarrázaval stated that his office was not informed of a controversial request for reserved information sent by Steinert to the PDI, though he later admitted the action was likely inconvenient. Additionally, former Sports Minister Natalia Duco has returned to the government as an advisor on public policy. Duco had previously resigned following a controversy involving the use of an official vehicle for a social gathering.