Senator Cariola Criticizes President Kast’s Budget Cuts Amid Social Rights Commitments

Original article: Cuenta Pública: Senadora Cariola advierte contradicción de Kast por compromiso de no tocar derechos sociales y al mismo tiempo reafirmar recortes en Salud

Following President José A. Kast’s State of the Nation address, Senator Karol Cariola (PC) from the Valparaíso Region expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding how the government will reconcile its commitments to social rights with the budget cuts that are already being implemented in health services.

«I would have expected the President to retract some measures that have been detrimental to the objectives he has set for himself,» the legislator stated after the national leader’s presentation.

She went on to say, «When President Kast says he will not touch social rights, yet reaffirms the ongoing budget cuts in health, it creates a significant contradiction and deep concern for me about how people’s needs are being affected.»

When asked about her views on security announcements, Senator Cariola praised the proposal to enhance the conditions for police forces, but emphasized the need to carefully review the proposal concerning incivilities, particularly if it includes the loss of social rights – such as the PGU – for behaviors that do not necessarily constitute crimes.

Increased Transparency in Electricity Bills

On energy issues, Cariola highlighted the positive aspect of the mention of increased transparency in electricity bills.

«I think it’s a step forward when he talks about greater transparency in energy, something we have been advocating for. In fact, I presented a bill called Clear Accounts, aimed at increasing the transparency of energy costs, which has been overdue, and since the President mentioned it, I hope he will also consider the proposals we have put forward,» the PC senator noted.

Regarding the Valparaíso Region, the parliamentarian stated that key decisions on health, connectivity, and strategic infrastructure remain unresolved.

«Concerning the Valparaíso Region, there were announcements I expected. For example, I anticipated a mention of the reconstruction of the Van Buren Hospital. I believe that is a tremendous debt to our region,» the legislator asserted.

Likewise, she indicated that there was not enough clarity regarding essential railway projects: «I would have expected a reference to the train extension. There was no mention of that, nor did he address the plans for La Calera, or the long-desired connection with the Metropolitan Region from Valparaíso.»

Regional Ports

On the expansion of regional ports, Cariola stated that a more concrete plan is needed for port cities.

«He only made a very general mention of ports, but did not provide a clear plan on how the expansion of the ports contributes to the city. We have raised the issue of port fees and port royalties from the municipalities and parliamentarians to ensure they contribute more to the city. I think there are some gaps there,» she added.

In this context, the communist senator lamented the lack of announcements regarding the regional airport in Concón and urged the Ministry of Public Works to reevaluate the signals given so far: «This isn’t just about Concón specifically; it impacts connectivity, as well as investment and employment potential.»

Finally, Karol Cariola stressed the need for transparency regarding the impact of the government’s massive tax reform.

«I think it is crucial that he explains how the state will raise more resources solely by increasing investment, which is also a figurative stance, one that even Minister Quiroz has not dared to affirm will happen when the state ceases to collect resources to invest in social rights,» she remarked.

«I was left somewhat expectant. I believe the President was not sufficiently specific about that,» concluded the senator representing the Valparaíso Region.

We will continue to provide updates.