Carmona acknowledges the need to strengthen security but accuses Kast's reform of seeking to have "the state apparatus without limits"

Lautaro Carmona, leader of Chile’s Communist Party (PC), has acknowledged the need to strengthen public security measures but criticized President José Antonio Kast’s proposed constitutional reforms as an attempt to create an unchecked state apparatus with unlimited power. In an interview with radio station Nuevo Mundo on August 23, 2026, Carmona expressed concerns over the government’s approach to crime and its potential impact on civil liberties. Carmona emphasized that there is a clear necessity for a more robust public safety policy, citing the current level of organized crime, both traditional and financial, as being far greater than previously experienced. He noted that this includes crimes committed by individuals in positions of power who conceal their activities through bank accounts. However, he warned against using these issues as justification for infringing upon human rights. “There is a need for this, but under no circumstances can we criminalize social movements or affect human rights,” he stated. “Otherwise, it would be a step backward.” He further argued that the government is constructing a legal framework that exploits a temporary parliamentary majority to establish an all-powerful state mechanism capable of controlling anything. This, he claimed, poses a serious threat to the full realization of rights within a democratic society. “It's a very sinister move and highly detrimental to the completeness of rights in a democratic society,” Carmona said. The Communist Party leader pointed out that even sectors of the right have raised concerns regarding the scope and implications of the reform. “One thing is thinking that now it could be the left’s turn, but the tool remains such that whoever raises a finger could face punishment,” he added. In addition to addressing the constitutional reform, Carmona discussed the broader opposition coalition forming around the issue of national security. The PC plans to maintain a broad alliance incorporating various groups from different political sectors. “We believe all forces are necessary in this fundamental united front of opposition ranging from the DC to the PC,” he said. “We still need to continue striving for the integration of new organizations, whether as parties or movements.” Reflecting on past experiences, Carmona mentioned that the arrogance displayed during previous governance was not beneficial and had worked against them, as noted by former president Gabriel Boric. Therefore, he stressed that the new phase of opposition requires humility, a strong sense of responsibility, respect, and self-respect among all participants. Only under these conditions, he asserted, can a solid space be built between politically diverse sectors. Carmona’s comments come amid growing debate over how best to address rising crime rates while safeguarding democratic principles. His remarks highlight the tension between enhancing security and preserving civil freedoms, a topic that continues to divide political factions across the country.