Opposition Calls for Justice Minister Fernando Rabat’s Resignation Amid Controversy Over Child Sexual Offender Sentences

Original article: «Ya no es un interlocutor válido»: Oposición pide en bloque la salida de Rabat y preparan el terreno para la Acusación Constitucional

On Monday, leaders from various opposition political parties arrived at La Moneda Palace to formally demand the resignation of Justice Minister Fernando Rabat due to the controversial reduction of sentences for 56 sexual abusers and child rapists.

The letter, submitted to La Moneda’s Office of Part, is signed by the presidents of the Communist Party (PC), Socialist Party (PS), Party for Democracy (PPD), Broad Front (FA), Liberal Party (PL), and Christian Democratic Party (DC), along with various lawmakers and local officials.

The letter emphasizes the «extreme seriousness» of the situation, urging President José Antonio Kast to respond appropriately:

«Acknowledging the error is not enough. Being accountable requires repairing the damage done, enforcing the necessary political responsibilities, and being transparent with the public regarding all relevant details,» the opposition leaders stated.

«We reiterate our demand for him to request the resignation of Justice and Human Rights Minister Fernando Rabat Celis, given the severity of his mistake. The Minister is no longer a valid interlocutor for the country and, by extension, not for us as authorities either. We also request that he provide the country with all the information regarding these decisions. Citizens have the right to understand how and why these actions were taken,» they added.

The submission of the letter coincides with President José Antonio Kast’s trip to Europe, where he is scheduled to meet with foreign dignitaries, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spain’s President Pedro Sánchez, and Pope Leo XIV.

This opposition action also paves the way for a constitutional accusation against Minister Rabat, which has already been announced by opposition lawmakers and is expected to be submitted in the coming days to the Chamber of Deputies. While the government has attempted to maintain unity, figures from the UDI and RN have publicly called for Rabat’s removal. Some lawmakers have even warned that if the government insists on keeping him in office, they may vote in favor of the accusation.

Opposition Demands

In addition to calling for Minister Rabat’s resignation, opposition leaders demand three specific actions from President Kast. First, they want complete transparency regarding all decrees signed by Minister Rabat and former Undersecretary Luis Silva, including their number, date, signatory authority, and full copies.

They also request the inclusion of rejected requests to understand when and why the government altered its criteria.

Secondly, the opposition calls for a legal review of each decree to reverse the reduced sentences for those affected.

Lastly, they demand the creation of a victim support plan, which should include individual risk assessments and specialized psychological, social, and legal assistance, along with a permanent communication channel.

«These measures do not exhaust the responsibilities that must be established. However, they represent the minimum expectations of a government that has made the protection of children and victims one of its principal commitments,» the opposition concluded.