Chile's Algarrobo Mayor Rejects Proposal to Shut Subdere

Algarrobo mayor Marco Antonio González voiced firm opposition to proposals that would close Chile’s Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Regional y Administrativo (Subdere). He argued that Subdere is a crucial development tool for hundreds of municipalities, especially low‑income communes that rely on its funding for social centres, lighting, sports infrastructure, security, paving and other projects.

González warned that closing the agency would reflect a centralist view that ignores the financial realities of most Chilean communes and would reverse progress on regional equity and decentralisation. He called on the national government, Congress and municipal associations to reach agreements that reinforce, rather than diminish, the institutional support that Subdere provides for local development.

The mayor highlighted Subdere’s role in technical assistance, training and advisory services that help municipalities design and implement projects, urging that any reforms safeguard these capacities to improve the quality of life for millions of Chileans.