Chilean political parties clash over government criticism

Political tensions have escalated between the Chilean parties Renovación Nacional (RN) and Partido Republicano regarding the management of President José Antonio Kast’s administration. The friction intensified after Vicente Bruna, General Secretary of the Republican Party, characterized a segment of the right wing as “obstruccionista” (obstructionist), contrasting them with a group that “seeks to build,” which includes RN, Evópoli, and the UDI.

In response, RN Senator María José Gatica defended her colleagues and criticized Republican lawmakers who traveled to New York while government projects were being voted on in Chile. RN leadership, including President Andrea Balladares, indicated that the party has privately expressed concerns regarding cabinet political coordination and the need for stronger cooperation among coalition partners.

Republican lawmakers, including Deputy Benjamín Moreno and Deputy Alejandro Riquelme, have called for political differences to be addressed through private channels rather than the press. Moreno argued that while diverse opinions exist, they should be transmitted through reserved instances between authorities to avoid weakening the government's coordination.