Coyhaique municipality defends 5 billion peso festival tender

The Municipality of Coyhaique is facing controversy regarding the bidding process for the Corazón de la Patagonia Festival, a project valued at 5 billion pesos intended to span from 2027 to 2031.

A report from the municipal Control Unit identified structural legal flaws in the tender, suggesting it violates principles of probity, transparency, and free competition. Specific concerns include the absence of specific artist names in the technical proposal and the use of a multi-year contract that commits future budgets beyond the current mayoral term. The tender also involved a commitment letter with the broadcaster Megamedia.

In response, the Director of Community Development (Dideco), Paz Foitzick, dismissed claims of irregularities, stating that the observations made by the Control Unit are “absolutely remediable” and are already being addressed by the technical team. The municipality defended the work of its engineers and lawyers, characterizing the criticisms from certain council members as an attack on a serious, long-term professional effort.