Evelyn Matthei Critiques Kast’s Security Management: A Failed Appointment and Lack of a Formal Plan

Original article: Matthei le pega donde más duele a Kast: seguridad sin plan, Steinert como apuesta fallida y propuesta ignorada

Former presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei delivered a significant blow to José Antonio Kast‘s government by questioning its security management on three fronts: the failed appointment of Trinidad Steinert as minister, the absence of a formal plan, and the disregard for the technical proposal her team offered after the first round of elections.

In an interview with Las Últimas Noticias, the former mayor of Providencia was incisive regarding the decision to appoint a former prosecutor to lead the Ministry of Public Security. «I don’t understand why someone thought a prosecutor had the knowledge and capabilities to be the Minister of Security,» Matthei stated, differentiating between the criminal prosecution duties of the Public Ministry and the management and coordination responsibilities required to handle the portfolio.

According to the ex-candidate, the individual in charge of the security sector should possess a more technical profile.

«I have always said that this ministry should be headed by an engineer,» she proposed in comments collected by El Mostrador, arguing that the main challenge in security lies in integrating platforms, intelligence, and systems.

«There are numerous systems working in parallel, and the goal should be to achieve their integration,» she explained, implying that Steinert’s management lacked this vision.

Another point where Matthei criticized Kast was the delay in presenting a formal security plan, which triggered widespread criticism of his administration since the far-right leader made this issue the central theme of his presidential campaign.

This situation ultimately cost Steinert her job, as she even appeared before the lower house and admitted: “I have made mistakes.”

Matthei recalled that, after being eliminated from the race for La Moneda before the second round, the person in charge of her security program offered to collaborate with the current administration to share his ideas. «No one even bothered to read it,» Matthei criticized.

Despite this rejection, the former mayor expressed that her proposal remains available and reiterated her willingness to collaborate if the government so requires, amid a crisis of management that continues to deepen.