Foro Madrid summit in Chile sparks tension within ruling coalition

The upcoming regional meeting of Foro Madrid in Santiago, Chile, has caused significant political tension within the ruling coalition. The event, organized by the Fundación Disenso—a think tank linked to the Spanish political party Vox—is scheduled for September 3 and 4 at the San Carlos de Apoquindo Event Center.

President José Antonio Kast, a founder of the transnational political network, is set to deliver the inaugural speech. The summit will also feature international figures such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Ignacio Garriga, the secretary general of Vox. While the government has defended Kast’s right to participate, citing his role as a founder and his commitment to values like family and freedom of expression, the event has drawn criticism from within the governing alliance.

Political parties such as Evópoli have distanced themselves from the summit, with some leaders calling for the President to abstain. Meanwhile, members of the Chile Vamos coalition, including the UDI and Renovación Nacional, have expressed discomfort, labeling the forum as an ideological platform for the “cultural battle.” Despite these internal divisions, several deputies from RN and UDI, along with Republican parliamentarians, are expected to attend.