Chile President Kast proposes vandalism registry that could strip social benefits

President José Antonio Kast signed a draft law creating a national Register of Vandalism and Incivilities. The register would list individuals convicted or sanctioned for acts such as attacks on police or health personnel, blocking public transport, drug trafficking, damage to monuments, illegal alcohol sales, public drug use, and unauthorized graffiti. Those entered could lose social benefits, including the Universal Guaranteed Pension (PGU), free education and housing subsidies, and may be barred from obtaining or renewing driver’s licences, passports, or registering vehicles and property. Kast said, “no basta con combatir el crimen organizado y la delincuencia, sino también proteger a nuestros vecinos…”. The initiative, presented in the 2026 public account, now proceeds to congressional debate for possible adjustments and legal viability before any enactment.

The proposal has drawn public support for tougher penalties but also criticism over constitutional guarantees and practical enforceability.