The Senate Finance Committee session aimed at advancing the modernization of the Carabineros police force failed after it was confirmed that Security Minister Trinidad Steinert and Undersecretary Andrés Jouannet would not be attending. The meeting, which lasted only 22 minutes, was unable to address the bill seeking to extend police careers and create new incentives for officers.
The incident drew widespread criticism across the political spectrum in Congress. Senator Javier Macaya, chair of the committee, described the situation as “lamentable.” Meanwhile, the Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, José García Ruminot, attended the session to provide explanations, admitting there had been a “lack of coordination.”
Criticism from both Government and Opposition
Even lawmakers from the governing coalition criticized the lack of commitment to public safety. Senator Rodolfo Carter, of the Republican Party, was blunt in his assessment: “This is an unpardonable error. It undermines our entire narrative. It would have cost nothing to take a different approach to this.” Carter added that the situation was not a mere coincidence: “I understand that accidents happen, but this isn't an accident; this is sloppiness.”
From the government side, Senator Paulina Vodanovic questioned the Executive's priorities. “Is security a real priority for this government?” asked the Socialist Party lawmaker. According to reports from La Tercera, the senator noted that the government had previously cut security funding and criticized the Minister for prioritizing a protocol event with the President over the session.
Senator Daniella Cicardini (PS) also expressed frustration over the lack of management. “It is very regrettable, and frankly a bit shameful, that the Minister sends an excuse, and while the Undersecretary was expected to attend, he later says he cannot make it either,” she stated. Cicardini further questioned the consistency of the authorities: “What is the point of talking so much about security? What is the point of dressing up as supporters of the Carabineros? What is the point of forming pro-police caucuses if, when they are needed, they are nowhere to be found—yet they come running to Congress when it comes to cutting taxes for the super-rich?”
Deputy Agustín Romero warned that there would be no room to downplay the incident, emphasizing that security remains a top priority. The suspended bill is critical to addressing personnel shortages within the police force, as it proposes new management tools and the optimization of human resources.