Chilean Congress approves police force rules and political reforms

The Chilean National Congress has approved two significant legislative reforms.

The first reform establishes the Rules of Use of Force (RUF), providing a legal framework for the actions of the Carabineros, the Investigative Police (PDI), and the Armed Forces. After three years of processing, the law defines five levels of force—ranging from police presence and communication techniques to physical restraint and less-lethal force—to be used in maintaining public order. The regulations are based on the principles of legality, necessity, responsibility, and rationality.

The second reform modifies the political system by tightening the rules for the formation and operation of political parties. To form a party, groups must now maintain a presence in at least eight regions and meet specific membership thresholds. Additionally, the law adjusts public financing, tying it to parliamentary representation and ensuring that state funds do not follow individual lawmakers if they change parties.