Chilean government submits security constitutional reform to Senate

constitutional reform public security organized crime state of exception Chilean politics

The government of President José Antonio Kast has submitted a high-priority constitutional reform to the Chilean Senate aimed at combating organized crime and terrorism. The proposal, part of the Agenda Against Organized Crime and Terrorism (ACOT), seeks to include public security as an explicit duty of the state alongside national security.

Key provisions include the creation of a new state of exception that can last up to 120 days and be renewed once. During such periods, the executive could potentially restrict rights related to movement, assembly, and communication. The reform also proposes a registry of criminal organizations and allows for specialized legal frameworks to establish stricter penalties and differentiated prison regimes for those convicted of terrorism or organized crime. Additionally, the reform could restrict access to state-funded benefits, such as health and education, for certain convicted individuals.

The proposal faces significant political hurdles, requiring a four-sevenths majority in both legislative chambers to pass. It has already met resistance from within the governing coalition; the UDI party has expressed opposition, citing concerns over institutional damage. Other critics, including members of the PPD and PC, have warned that the reform could lead to an authoritarian regime, infringe upon human rights, and bypass democratic oversight through expanded executive powers.

Entities

Chile · Chilean Senate · José Antonio Kast · Public Ministry · Renovación Nacional · Senate of Chile · UDI

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Montalva warned that extraordinary measures risk becoming permanent, citing the four-year State of Exception in La Araucanía as an example. araucanianoticias.cl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Deputy José Montalva expressed concern that a government constitutional reform could strengthen state powers during a State of Exception. araucanianoticias.cl
[○ 1 SOURCE] The reform may allow for the restriction of rights for individuals not involved in crimes, including communication interception, assembly, and movement. araucanianoticias.cl
[● 3 SOURCES] The reform seeks to include public security as a state duty alongside national security. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · vmasv.cl
[● 3 SOURCES] The reform proposes a new state of exception for up to 120 days, renewable once. www.diarioconcepcion.cl · elporteno.cl · lavozdelprm.org
[● 5 SOURCES] The government submitted a constitutional reform to the Senate regarding public security. www.elinformadorchile.cl · vmasv.cl · www.diarioconcepcion.cl · actualidadjuridica.doe.cl · lavozdelprm.org
[● 2 SOURCES] The reform proposes a registry of criminal organizations. www.elinformadorchile.cl · vmasv.cl
[○ 1 SOURCE] The UDI party has expressed opposition to the reform in its current form. www.riotimesonline.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The reform requires a four-sevenths majority in both chambers to pass. www.riotimesonline.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The proposal includes eight to eleven constitutional modifications. www.diarioconcepcion.cl · www.riotimesonline.com · lavozdelprm.org
[○ 1 SOURCE] The reform could restrict access to state-funded benefits for those convicted of terrorism or organized crime. www.infomoney.com.br