Wenn meine Antwort Hunger ist, dann tut es mir leid: Alvarado vermeidet es, in Sedinis Anschuldigungen über seine Regierungszeit zu gehen

The Chilean government has ruled out declaring a state of catastrophe in regions affected by a recent weather system, stating that current tools are sufficient to manage the emergency. The decision was made during a technical meeting held by the Ministry of the Interior and the National Emergency Office (Senapred). Biminister Claudio Alvarado emphasized that the government will reassess the possibility of declaring a state of catastrophe once damage assessments are completed. This evaluation is scheduled for Monday, following a more detailed analysis of the impact of the weather event. The government’s stance comes after local authorities, particularly mayors from the hardest-hit areas, requested the declaration of a state of catastrophe to expedite access to resources needed for both immediate response efforts and long-term recovery. Alvarado explained that while the government is focused on addressing the immediate crisis, such as rescuing stranded individuals, restoring connectivity, and ensuring basic services, are currently being managed with existing mechanisms. He noted that the priority is to consolidate information about the extent of the damage before considering additional measures. Alvarado stated that the government is concentrating its efforts on managing the critical phase of the emergency. Once this phase is concluded, officials will evaluate which instruments are necessary for the reconstruction stage, including the potential declaration of a state of catastrophe due to climatic conditions. He reiterated that the government's primary objective is to complete a comprehensive assessment of damages before taking further extraordinary actions. This approach underscores the administration’s commitment to methodical planning rather than reactive measures. Meanwhile, political tensions have emerged over recent allegations made by former government spokesperson Mara Sedini. In an interview with the program Sin Filtros, Sedini accused internal pressures within the executive branch, questioned the functioning of the so-called “second floor” of La Moneda, and claimed that one of the most influential figures in the government urged her to change her communication style because “this is the government of the fomes.” She described a moment in which she was told, “We dress like fomes, we speak like fomes, we respond like fomes,” and was asked to “act” accordingly. These remarks sparked controversy and raised questions about internal dynamics within the administration. In response, Guillermo Ramírez, president of the UDI party, characterized Sedini’s accusations as unusual but noted that they did not directly target President José Antonio Kast. Ramirez acknowledged the difficulty of assessing internal government discussions from an external perspective and stressed that the UDI supports Sedini’s work, even as she left the cabinet. He praised her professionalism and suggested that her experience could lead to better outcomes in future roles. Ramirez also highlighted that Sedini avoided criticizing the president, maintaining a respectful tone toward leadership. Claudio Alvarado, meanwhile, chose not to engage deeply with Sedini’s claims, citing his focus on the ongoing emergency. He mentioned that he had not yet viewed the interview and therefore could not comment on its content. Alvarado made a light-hearted reference to Sedini’s use of the term “fome,” saying, “If my answer is fome, I apologize, but that’s the reality.” He also dismissed the notion that the government would spend time analyzing Sedini’s statements, emphasizing that priorities remain centered on addressing the weather-related crisis. Sedini’s allegations suggest broader concerns about internal governance and communication strategies within the administration. Her claims include accusations of pressure from within the executive, challenges to her independence, and attempts to limit her autonomy as a minister. She also alleged that some officials sought to influence personnel appointments, leading to public criticism against her. These revelations highlight the complex interpersonal dynamics that can shape political environments, even within formal structures. As the government continues to navigate both the physical and political aftermath of the weather event, these internal discussions underscore the layered nature of administrative challenges.