President José Antonio Kast led a public show of support for Science Minister Ximena Lincolao on Wednesday night, following an attack against her at the Universidad Austral in Valdivia. The Minister was insulted, pushed, and doused with water by protesters after attending an academic event, according to reports.
Lincolao remained trapped inside a classroom for two hours before being escorted out by Investigative Police (PDI) to avoid serious injury. The demonstration was reportedly fueled by opposition to budget cuts within the ministry, specifically the suspension of the 'Becas Chile 2026' program.
Addressing the nation from La Moneda, President Kast appeared alongside several cabinet members, including the Ministers of Security, Education, Sports, and the Government spokesperson. He signaled that the government would not tolerate the incident, which he labeled an act of "total irrationality."
"What we saw today is an act of total irrationality, unfortunately inside a university, a place where dialogue, respect, and the search for truth should prevail," Kast stated. He further criticized the participants, asserting that "they don't even deserve to be called students."
Kast specifically condemned a chant heard during the protest, noting: "When we see a young woman scream at someone like Ximena, who is an example of merit, work, overcoming, strength, commitment to Chile: 'Sáquenle la chucha' (beat her up), that is unacceptable."
Government shifts to criminal prosecution
The administration has moved to treat the incident as a matter of public order rather than a simple protest. Minister of the Interior Claudio Alvarado confirmed the government will file a criminal complaint for an attack on an authority figure, an action to be sponsored by the Ministry of Security.
Minister of Security Trinidad Steinert dismissed the idea that the event was a standard demonstration. "This was a crime, a serious act that we must condemn," she said, adding that the government expects the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
President Kast instructed the Minister of Education, María Paz Arzola, to oversee all internal university investigations and disciplinary proceedings regarding the students involved. He also utilized social media to frame the event within his broader political agenda.
"Solo tienen un objetivo: silenciar y amedrentar. No buscan dialogar ni mejorar la educación. Su actuar no tiene explicación ni justificación," Kast wrote on X. He added, "The objective of our government is and will be to recover order and freedom in Chile."
Minister Ximena Lincolao, who received the President's personal backing at the palace, remained defiant following the ordeal. "I am not afraid," she told reporters during the briefing.
