Senator Manuel José Ossandón issued a sharp rebuke following the recent physical assault on Minister Ximena Lincolao at the Universidad Austral. He argued that the era of impunity for violent agitators must end immediately.
“In Chile, there have to be consequences,” Ossandón stated during an interview with Radio Pauta. “The young people who use violence and target individuals must face the repercussions. We need to pursue those responsible to the very end.”
Ossandón claimed that the attack was not an isolated incident. He alleged that specific groups are orchestrating these disruptions to destabilize the country. He suggested that the updated Intelligence Law provides the necessary framework to dismantle these networks.
“There are people organizing all of this. They want violence; they want chaos,” the senator said. “The youth think they can just insult or hit a cabinet minister, but no—that is over.”
Security and administrative challenges
Beyond the specific attack, Ossandón defended the performance of President José Antonio Kast’s administration during its first month in office. While acknowledging the public discourse surrounding security measures, he noted that the government has quietly arrested a large number of dangerous individuals with outstanding warrants.
“Security measures are not announced; they are carried out,” he asserted. He dismissed criticism directed at Security Minister Trinidad Steinert, labeling the current political friction a “stupid controversy” that prevents officials from focusing on their actual duties.
Ossandón also identified a lack of regulation in the automotive industry as a growing threat to public safety. He specifically pointed to the proliferation of armored vehicles and illegal window tinting, which he argues are being exploited by organized crime.
“If I armor a car, a drug trafficker can buy it. The deregulation in this industry is immense,” he said. He advocated for stricter controls, noting that while state officials require specific security measures, the current ubiquity of blacked-out vehicles across Santiago poses a risk to citizens.
Addressing the administration’s handling of fuel prices, Ossandón admitted the government struggled with its communication strategy. However, he praised President Kast for making the “courageous and correct” decision to raise fuel prices to address existing debts.
“What government in the world gets hit with a bucket of ice water upon taking office, forcing them to raise all fuel prices by 500 pesos? It is brutal,” Ossandón said. He maintained that while the communication was inexperienced, the government avoided the path of fiscal irresponsibility favored by previous administrations.
