Chilean Deputy Venegas criticizes RN constitutional reform proposal

Chilean Deputy Nelson Venegas (PS) has criticized a legislative proposal by the Renovación Nacional (RN) party that seeks to modify the framework for interpellating the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Defense.

The proposed “Responsible Interpellation Law,” supported by deputies Diego Schalper, Eduardo Durán, Daniel Valenzuela, and Juan Carlos Beltrán, would require interpellations to be conducted in writing with responses provided within 15 days. Under the reform, personal appearances of ministers would only be mandatory if requested by an absolute majority of the relevant commission members. Additionally, a minister could request that a session be held in secret if they believe public disclosure could compromise national security or interests.

Venegas argued that the reform aims to restrict the oversight capabilities of the Chamber of Deputies, describing the move as an attempt to move toward a “monarchy” and undermine the scrutiny of public policies.