Manouchehri’s Powerful Response to Poduje: «We Are Rescuing People While You Stay Warm in Your Office»

Original article: La épica respuesta de Manouchehri a Poduje: “Estamos rescatando gente mientras usted está calentito en su oficina”

Deputy Daniel Manouchehri responded to Housing Minister Iván Poduje after Poduje called him out in a video posted on social media early this morning amid the emergency caused by the climatic front affecting the Coquimbo Region.

While the minister criticized the parliamentarian for his remarks on the government’s response, Manouchehri was alongside Coquimbo’s mayor, Ali Manouchehri, assisting with rescue and evacuation efforts for those impacted by the flooding in various areas of the commune.

Poduje’s video, uploaded around 2 AM, was deleted by the morning after receiving thousands of criticisms. In the footage, the minister denied that any individuals were missing due to the floods and rising watercourses in the region, a statement that drew scrutiny amid the ongoing crisis.

In recent hours, both the deputy and the mayor of Coquimbo had requested the government to declare a State of Catastrophe for the area, a measure that was ultimately adopted today. They have both emphasized that the extent of the damages necessitates an immediate government response with extraordinary resources to support affected families and restore damaged infrastructure.

«It’s almost 3 AM, and we are here with Mayor Ali rescuing people, while you, Mr. Poduje, are probably warm in your office. I don’t think it’s worth responding to you and getting into such disputes. And I want to take this opportunity to tell you, Mr. President: we need all resources now. All state resources are required at this moment. Not tomorrow. Now,» the parliamentarian stated.