Political criticism in Chile and trade negotiations in Costa Rica

In Chile, former minister and Communist Party leader Camila Vallejo has issued a critical assessment of the first seven months of President José Antonio Kast’s administration. Vallejo accused the executive branch of failing to meet campaign promises, specifically regarding economic growth, employment, and budgetary decisions. She criticized proposed adjustments to the 2027 Budget, including the removal of resources for the ‘Yo Elijo mi PC’ program, arguing that public spending efficiency should not result in reduced citizen benefits.

In Costa Rica, President Laura Fernández Delgado has placed the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on hold. Following a seven-hour meeting with productive sectors, Fernández stated that the country is neither ready to archive the agreement nor to authorize the Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex) to sign it and send it to the Legislative Assembly.

Fernández criticized the previous administration's negotiation process for a lack of transparency and insufficient engagement with local sectors. She has instructed Comex, along with the Ministries of Agriculture and Economy, to deepen analysis regarding the potential advantages and negative impacts of the agreement, including the identification of necessary compensation measures for affected industries.