Criticism of Kast Government’s Proposal to Cut Universal Guaranteed Pension Intensifies from Communist Party

Original article: «Hicieron campaña diciendo que amaban a la PGU, pero ahora están proponiendo recortarla»: Bancada del PC critica a Gobierno de Kast por incumplir sus promesas

The leader of the Communist Party’s parliamentary group, Deputy Daniela Serrano, criticized the finance ministry’s proposal to cut the Universal Guaranteed Pension (PGU), recalling that during his campaign, President José A. Kast promised not to make such cuts.

Initially, the parliamentarian stated, «It is good that the public is made aware of the implications of this cut. This is not a cut we imagined; it is a formal communication from the Ministry of Finance.»

Deputy Serrano went on to emphasize, «During the campaign, they claimed to love the PGU, but now they are proposing to cut it,» criticizing Kast for not fulfilling his promise: not to reduce any social rights while actually doing so.

Along the same lines, Deputy Sofía González, also from the PC, announced her intention to summon the finance minister to the Senior and Disability Commission, amidst uncertainty regarding the future of the PGU.

«It is outrageous to learn that this government is evaluating the continuation of the PGU, despite having said countless times that they would not. Today, thousands of elderly people receive this news with anxiety and lack of certainty, especially as the rising cost of living is becoming increasingly severe,» stated the parliamentarian from the Valparaíso Region.

«Therefore, as part of the Seniors and Disability Commission, I will request to summon Minister Quiroz to explain the implications of this recommendation and why they are not adhering to what was promised,» added Deputy Sofía González.

Meanwhile, Deputy Luis Cuello announced their request to have the finance minister summoned to the Chamber’s Labor Commission «to explain this new blow aimed at the Chilean people.»

«Insecurity and Unrest»

From the same PC parliamentary group, Deputy Marcos Barraza criticized the Kast administration for turning Chile into a space of «insecurity and unrest.»

«Today, over 260 social programs are threatened with cuts or extinction, including the PGU, which provides peace of mind to hundreds of thousands of seniors. The cuts originated from the Ministry of Social Development, with reductions of 32 billion pesos,» questioned the legislator from District 8.

«What does this translate to? 12 billion pesos less for the support and treatment of children whose rights have been violated. 7 billion pesos less for the support of indigenous peoples’ rights. Reductions in funding for disability, seniors, and youth programs. Even the newborn support program, which provides essentials for families, is being cut,» Barraza continued.

In this context, the deputy emphasized that the PGU «provides peace of mind for seniors with a guaranteed minimum income, which is essential for those with low or inadequate pensions and is at risk,» concluding, «We will not normalize cuts to the tranquility of families.»

Finally, independent Deputy Gustavo Gatica stated that what was announced by the finance minister «are not merely technical cuts, but ideological adjustments that punish children and people with disabilities. Just now, as we are processing this tax reform that supports the wealthiest, the government proposes to take away benefits from those who need them the most,» fumed the legislator.

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