Chile Senate postpones megareforma vote amid missing quorum

The Chilean Senate halted the vote on the National Reconstruction megareforma after it became clear that the ruling coalition lacked the 26 votes required for approval. Government officials withdrew the project's urgency, citing the risk of an outright rejection. The postponement pushes the discussion of the municipal‑compensation mechanism—meant to offset lost revenue from exempting seniors over 65 from property taxes—to early August.

Opposition senators labeled the move a “bochorno” and criticized the lack of coordination within the officialist benches. Treasury Minister Jorge Quiroz reiterated that the compensation formula had already been approved in the mixed commission and the lower house, but its fate now depends on securing the necessary Senate support. The delay adds uncertainty to the reconstruction fund and municipal budgets, especially in regions still recovering from recent floods.

The Senate’s decision follows a series of strategic withdraws and last‑minute absences by several senators, which reduced the vote count to 25 in favor. The government hopes to renegotiate support before the rescheduled session in early August.