Chilean government rejects additional September 17 holiday

The Chilean government has officially rejected proposals to declare September 17 a public holiday to extend the Fiestas Patrias celebrations. Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado stated that the schedule for September holidays is already established by law through a consensus reached by various political forces in Congress, noting that there is no need to innovate on the matter if the current legal framework is sufficient.

Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz reinforced this position, declaring that September 17 will be a working day. Quiroz emphasized the importance of maintaining a predictable and planned annual work calendar to avoid constant uncertainty regarding holidays. He noted that while he understands the public's desire for more holidays, the country requires higher income levels to support such measures. The decision follows efforts by the Partido de la Gente to advocate for the additional day off.