Original article: «Usted debería tener la decencia de firmar su renuncia»: Cámara pide remover a Rabat y oposición prepara acusación constitucional

«You Should Have the Decency to Resign»: Chamber Calls for Removal of Justice Minister Rabat Amid Opposition’s Impeachment Plans

“You should have the decency to resign,” demanded Deputy Daniel Manouchehri (PS) of Justice Minister Fernando Rabat during a tense session when the Chamber of Deputies approved a request to President José Antonio Kast for the removal of the Secretary of State and subsecretaries Luis Silva and Pablo Mira, while the opposition announced it would file a constitutional accusation against the head of the ministry.

This occurred during a special session addressing sentence reductions awarded to individuals convicted of sexual crimes against minors and crimes against humanity.

The resolution project received 68 votes in favor, 42 against, and 7 abstentions, revealing rifts within the ruling party. Among those who abstained were Renovation National deputies Ximena Ossandón and Juan Carlos Beltrán, as well as Flor Weisse and parliamentary president of the UDI, Guillermo Ramírez (UDI).

In his defense, the Secretary of State asserted that his ministry’s actions adhered strictly to current legislation and the rulings issued by the Supreme Court, justifying the change in criteria that allowed for the reduction of sentences for those convicted.

Addressing the present legislators directly, he stated: “I hope you explain to me how I can fail to comply with a ruling from the esteemed Supreme Court without violating the oath I took.”

He emphasized that the assessment of the convicted is the responsibility of specialized commissions and that his ministry merely formalizes the decrees. Although he acknowledged a legal gap that does not account for the involvement of victims, he criticized Congress for not addressing this omission in the 2022 reform, as reported by El Mostrador.

To counter the opposition’s attacks, Rabat attempted to shift responsibilities to the previous administration, listing sentence reductions granted during Gabriel Boric’s tenure. The Justice Minister admitted that while his department initially denied similar requests, it later had to adjust the ministerial stance to comply with the jurisprudence of the highest court, a defense that failed to quell the harsh criticism from the parliament.

«You should have the decency to resign«

The arguments presented by the Secretary of State to justify the reductions in sentences triggered responses from deputies. Legislators Marcos Barraza (PC), Lorena Fries (FA), and Raúl Leiva (PS) demanded the minister’s resignation, while others questioned the lack of protections for victims.

“You should have the decency to resign,” reiterated Deputy Manouchehri. Juan Santana (PS) accused the Executive of being “the government of criminals” and announced a constitutional accusation.

At the end of the discussions, Rabat maintained that the Government had taken the commitment to address the victims before leaving the room, drawing criticism from legislators, as noted by the cited media.

Following the session, opposition factions confirmed they would move forward with a constitutional accusation against Rabat, which is still pending formal presentation.

Deputy Gael Yeomans (FA) described the reductions as “absolutely grotesque and unjustifiable” and asserted that Congress cannot endorse what transpired. Similarly, parliamentarian Daniela Serrano (PC) questioned why the Executive had not provided all the requested documentation concerning the decrees.

Despite the session’s outcome, the decision regarding the continuity of Minister Rabat and his subsecretaries Silva and Mira remains with Kast, who has so far maintained his support for the Justice Minister.

*Featured image: Mediabanco.