Chilean regional leaders protest proposed 2027 budget cuts

Chilean regional authorities and local leaders are expressing widespread opposition to proposed budget cuts for 2027. The Ministry of Finance is considering reductions that could impact regional governments by 7% to 10%, following a 3% reduction applied this year.

Regional governors from Maule, Los Ríos, Aysén, and the Metropolitan Region have warned that these cuts will jeopardize public investment, infrastructure, and social programs. Specifically, leaders noted potential negative impacts on employment, water services, and local development. In the Metropolitan Region, Governor Claudio Orrego criticized the move, stating it diminishes regional power and harms investment portfolios.

In Ñuñoa, Mayor Sebastián Sichel urged the government to protect social spending and suggested that instead of cutting regional budgets, the state should reduce bureaucracy by consolidating ministries. Meanwhile, in Magallanes, the Regional Council approved a significant investment to reduce healthcare waiting lists, highlighting the importance of maintaining regional resources for essential services.