Chilean municipalities challenge new security law regulation

The Chilean government is facing significant pushback from municipal leaders regarding the regulation of the Municipal Security Law. The controversy centers on Article 8, which suggests that failure to meet specific requirements for appointing security directors or inspectors could serve as a ground for the removal of a mayor from office.

The Asociación Chilena de Municipalidades (ACHM) and various mayors have criticized the provision, arguing that a regulation cannot establish new grounds for removing democratically elected officials. They have called for the government to withdraw the text from the Comptroller General (Contraloría) to allow for better socialization and debate.

Public Security Minister Martín Arrau has clarified that the regulation does not create new grounds for dismissal but rather refers to existing legal provisions regarding the ‘notable abandonment of duties.’ However, officials have acknowledged that the current wording may cause confusion and have committed to making necessary clarifications and corrections during the review process.

In separate municipal news, the Comptroller has issued findings regarding the Municipality of Lonquimay for the repetitive use of the mayor’s personal image on institutional social media. Additionally, an investigation has been launched in Arica following an incident where a driver for the mayor used an official vehicle for personal use and was involved in an accident while intoxicated.