Resignation of Biobío Presidential Delegate

Julio Anativia resigned from his position as the Presidential Delegate of the Biobío region in Chile after his spouse filed allegations of domestic violence. Anativia denied the accusations, claiming he is a victim of extortion, threats, and aggression, and stated he had filed criminal complaints regarding these matters in August. He also resigned from the Renovación Nacional political party, alleging that regional leadership used his private life for political maneuvers.

Following the resignation, which was accepted by President José Antonio Kast, the Chilean government began evaluating candidates to fill the vacancy. Government spokesperson Daniel Pacheco confirmed that several names have been proposed, with an announcement expected this week. Potential replacements discussed include Sintia Leyton, the current Director of Community Development for the Municipality of Concepción, Jorge Sabag, president of the EFE Sur board, and former deputy Iván Norambuena. Juan Pablo Mellado, the provincial delegate of Biobío, has been serving as the acting regional delegate.

While President Kast is currently in Europe, Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado, acting as Vice President, may make the official appointment. Regional political leaders have expressed various preferences for the successor. Larry Sandoval, president of the UDI, stated the role requires a political coordinator with technical skills to address unemployment and economic reactivation. Claudio Eguiluz, Vice President of Renovación Nacional, noted his party hopes to retain the position, while Renato Navarro, regional president of the Republican Party, suggested Claudio Lapostól as a potential candidate.