Chilean expulsion reform fails in Chamber by a single vote

A constitutional reform aimed at extending the detention period for foreigners subject to administrative expulsion failed in the Chilean Chamber of Deputies by a single vote. The project required 89 votes to pass but received only 88.

The defeat has sparked political controversy, placing José García Ruminot, the Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, at the center of criticism regarding legislative coordination. Critics have questioned the management of the vote, particularly noting that some lawmakers were participating in a presidential trip to the United Nations during the session.

Members of the Renovación Nacional (RN) party have defended the minister. Party leader Diego Schalper argued that the Ministry of the General Secretariat of the Presidency cannot be held solely responsible for the attendance, permissions, or individual behavior of each parliamentarian.