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The phone call from the RN president to Kast by the Sports Ministry
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The phone call from the RN president to Kast by the Sports Ministry

The article reports on the resignation of Natalia Duco from Chile's Ministry of Sports and the subsequent removal of Subsecretary Andrés Otero, following controversy over the use of a state vehicle during a work meeting. The situation escalated after a video recording, revealed by La Tercera, showed the event as non-work-related. Although the controversy primarily involved Duco, members of Renovación Nacional (RN) expressed frustration over Otero's removal, noting his close ties to the party and his experience in the role. Otero had previously served under President Sebastián Piñera and was reappointed by President José Antonio Kast in March. The decision to remove both officials was attributed to a deteriorating relationship between them and the incident involving the state vehicle. Following the resignations, RN leader Andrea Balladares communicated directly with Kast, expressing dissatisfaction and requesting candidates with sports expertise. However, the proposed names did not align with those favored by the new minister, Francisco Riveros, leading to internal tensions within the party.

The resignation of Natalia Duco, the former minister of Sports, triggered a chain reaction within Chile’s government, leading to the departure of subsecretary Andrés Otero. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Chilean presidency announced that President José Antonio Kast had accepted both resignations, which took effect the following day. The decision came after Duco became embroiled in controversy over the alleged misuse of a state vehicle during an event that was initially reported to Contraloría as a work meeting. This issue was further complicated by the release of an audiovisual record by La Tercera, which cast doubt on the legitimacy of the activity. The controversy centered primarily on Duco, but her exit also led to the removal of Otero, despite his non-partisan status and prior experience in the role under the second administration of Sebastián Piñera. Within Renovación Nacional (RN), there has been frustration with how Otero's departure unfolded. Some party leaders believe he paid a political price for a situation largely involving Duco. According to insiders, the relationship between Duco and Otero had become untenable, contributing to their simultaneous exits. Following the announcement, Senator Andrea Balladares, a key figure in RN, contacted President Kast directly. Those familiar with the conversation say Balladares expressed her dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation. While Kast did not commit to any specific action, he reportedly agreed to allow RN to propose candidates for the vacant subsecretary position. The criteria set were clear: someone connected to the sports world, with administrative expertise and experience. RN began evaluating potential candidates, considering names such as former athlete and ex-congresswoman Érika Olivera, sports journalist Eugenio Figueroa, and Vitacura council member and former South American high jump champion Catalina Recordon. However, these options have not aligned with the preferences of the new minister, Francisco Riveros. Riveros, who assumed leadership of the Ministry of Sports from the Second Floor of the presidential palace, has a background as a lawyer, former general manager of Palestino, and advisor to the president’s team. His appointment suggests a level of presidential backing that complicates RN’s influence over the selection process. On Tuesday, Riveros met with the RN senatorial bloc, organized by committee head María José Gatica. Although Balladares could not attend, she had previously conveyed the party’s interest in securing a place in the subsecretary role. However, according to party members, Riveros already has a candidate in mind, one not proposed by RN. The identity of this individual remains undisclosed, leaving the party in a difficult position. In response to calls from the National Libertarian Party (PNL) to abolish the Ministry of Sports, Riveros defended its importance. During an interview with CNN ahead of the Women’s Under-17 Volleyball World Cup, he emphasized the significance of sport in Chile’s future. “We want to develop sports in Chile,” he stated, highlighting the country’s growing engagement with international sporting events. He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing initiatives started by Duco, including the bid for the Youth Olympic Games 2030. Despite the controversy surrounding Duco’s tenure, Riveros expressed support for continuing her efforts. He remained vague about the prospects for the 2036 Olympics, stating they would be approached step by step. As the new minister navigates the challenges of his role, the political dynamics within the government continue to evolve, with RN seeking to maintain influence amid shifting priorities and appointments.

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14 reports

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 8510 days ago
Kast removes Natalia Duco and Andrés Otero from Deporte after a controversial response to the Comptroller's Office for a complaint of misuse of a fiscal vehicle

Natalia Duco, exatleta y secretaria de Estado del Ministerio del Deporte en Chile, dejó su cargo después de cinco meses y dos días. Su salida se debió a nuevas revelaciones sobre un uso presuntamente indebido de un automóvil fiscal el 23 de abril, denunciado ante la Contraloría. El presidente José Antonio Kast pidió la renuncia de Duco y de su subsecretario Andrés Otero. Según documentos obtenidos, el uso del vehículo fue justificado como parte de una reunión de trabajo, aunque videos mostraron a funcionarios en una fiesta privada. La bitácora del vehículo institucional respaldó la justificación oficial, citando normativas vigentes. Este es el segundo ajuste en el gabinete de Kast, quien también eliminó a otros altos cargos previamente.

Bias read (Center): El artículo presenta hechos objetivos relacionados con la gestión gubernamental y la investigación de irregularidades, sin mostrar un sesgo claro hacia ningún partido político. Mantiene un equilibrio entre la narrativa oficial y las revelaciones externas, sin favorecer ni criticar directamente a un翼

Why factuality (95): The article accurately describes the removal of Natalia Duco and Andrés Otero from the Ministry of Sports after a dispute with the Contraloría over the alleged misuse of a state vehicle. It includes detailed quotes from the official response and references specific legal documents. These details mat

Why objectivity (85): While the article is generally neutral, it includes direct quotes from the official response, which might give the impression of favoring the government’s perspective. However, it avoids overtly biased language and sticks primarily to reported facts.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 88Objective 857 days ago
Kast cabinet: Alvarado assessment consolidated negative trajectory after a tough week of communication for the government

The article reports on declining evaluations of Claudio Alvarado, the biminister of Interior and Secretary General of Government under Chilean president José Antonio Kast. Alvarado's performance rating has dropped by 10 points since his appointment, with 43% now supporting his capabilities compared to 53% in June. His communication skills remain the main challenge, with 40% of respondents identifying this as his primary issue. The article highlights ongoing communication problems within Kast's administration, attributing recent coordination issues between Alvarado and Hacienda Minister Jorge Quiroz. While Quiroz's evaluation has slightly improved, both continue to face negative assessments.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the communication failures of the Kast administration as a systemic weakness, emphasizing the lack of coordination and poor messaging. It portrays Alvarado's declining ratings as indicative of broader governance challenges, while noting Quiroz's slight improvement but still a net負

Why factuality (88): The article discusses the declining evaluation of Minister Alvarado based on the Test Descifra-Gabinete survey, which is consistent with the cross-source consensus. It includes specific statistics and quotes from officials, supporting the factual claims.

Why objectivity (85): While the article presents the facts clearly, it uses terms like 'dura semana comunicacional' (difficult communication week) which may carry a slightly negative connotation, potentially influencing the reader's perception.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 809 days ago
With passage through Palestino and Santiago 2023: Francisco Riveros takes over the Ministry of Sport

Francisco Riveros has been appointed as Chile's new Minister of Sports by President José Antonio Kast, replacing Natalia Duco who resigned amid controversy over the use of a government vehicle for a work-related meeting. Riveros brings extensive experience in sports management, having previously served as a board member and general manager of the football club Palestino and later as legal and corporate affairs manager at Santiago 2023, the organization responsible for hosting the Pan American Games in Santiago. He also worked as a senior advisor to the presidency under Kast’s government. The new minister will be supported by Sofia Rengifo, who takes over as deputy minister.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the appointment of Francisco Riveros as the new Minister of Sports, detailing his professional background and the circumstances surrounding the previous minister's resignation. There is no evident ideological framing or biased language; the content remains

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about Francisco Riveros' appointment as the new Minister of Sport, including his background with Palestino and Santiago 2023. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that Riveros was appointed after Natalia Duco left the position. The article does not incl

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on factual reporting about Riveros' career and appointment. However, there is some emphasis on his experience with sports organizations, which may slightly lean towards highlighting his qualifications, though overall it remains objective.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 702 days ago
The phone call from the RN president to Kast by the Sports Ministry

The article reports on the resignation of Natalia Duco from Chile's Ministry of Sports and the subsequent removal of Subsecretary Andrés Otero, following controversy over the use of a state vehicle during a work meeting. The situation escalated after a video recording, revealed by La Tercera, showed the event as non-work-related. Although the controversy primarily involved Duco, members of Renovación Nacional (RN) expressed frustration over Otero's removal, noting his close ties to the party and his experience in the role. Otero had previously served under President Sebastián Piñera and was reappointed by President José Antonio Kast in March. The decision to remove both officials was attributed to a deteriorating relationship between them and the incident involving the state vehicle. Following the resignations, RN leader Andrea Balladares communicated directly with Kast, expressing dissatisfaction and requesting candidates with sports expertise. However, the proposed names did not align with those favored by the new minister, Francisco Riveros, leading to internal tensions within the party.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the political developments, including perspectives from both the executive branch and the governing party (Renovación Nacional). It does not overtly favor one side over another but rather reports on the implications of the resignations and the internalparty

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the resignation of Natalia Duco and Andrés Otero from the Ministry of Sports following controversy over the use of a government vehicle. It references the official communication from La Moneda and provides context about Otero’s political connections and experience. The

Why objectivity (70): The article presents information in a generally neutral tone but includes some subjective assessments from Renovación Nacional members about Otero’s removal. This introduces a slight bias, as it reflects internal party sentiment rather than purely objective reporting.

BioBioChile logoBioBioChileIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 859 days ago
Francisco Riveros will be the new Minister of Sport after the departure of Natalia Duco

The article announces that Francisco Riveros has been appointed as the new Minister of Sports in Chile, succeeding Natalia Duco, who has left her position. The announcement comes as part of the Chilean government's ongoing reshuffling of ministerial roles. No specific reasons for Natalia Duco's departure are provided in the headline, nor are details about Francisco Riveros' background or qualifications mentioned. The focus is solely on the transition in leadership within the Ministry of Sports.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward announcement of a ministerial appointment without overtly positive or negative language. It does not frame the change in a politically charged manner, nor does it emphasize any particular ideological stance. The tone remains neutral, focusing purely on the fact

Why factuality (80): This brief article confirms the appointment of Francisco Riveros as the new Minister of Sport following Natalia Duco's departure. It matches the information found in other articles and is concise but accurate in its core claim.

Why objectivity (85): The article is very straightforward and presents the information without any emotional language or bias. It simply states the facts without commentary, maintaining a high level of objectivity.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 756 days ago
Minister Riveros responds to the proposal to close Mindep: We are working on strengthening the institutionality

The article reports on a proposal by Juan Antonio Urzúa, secretary general of the National Libertarian Party (PNL), to eliminate the Ministry of Sports in Chile. Urzúa argues that the ministry is unnecessary and suggests redirecting funds to security. In response, Minister Francisco Riveros defends the ministry, emphasizing its importance for developing sports in Chile and highlighting recent successes such as hosting the Women’s Under 17 Volleyball World Cup. Riveros states that the ministry is working to strengthen institutional structures related to physical activity and continues efforts initiated by former minister Natalia Duco regarding the Youth Olympic Games 2030 bid. He remains focused on advancing sports development in Chile.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the criticism of the Ministry of Sports by the PNL and the defense by Minister Riveros. The tone remains balanced, presenting the arguments from both sides without overtly favoring one perspective over the other. The framing does not show significant ideological leaning, as

Why factuality (80): The article accurately reports the proposal by PNL member Juan Antonio Urzúa to close the Ministry of Sports and quotes Minister Riveros defending the ministry’s role. It provides context about the debate and includes direct quotes from officials. While there is some editorializing in the phrasing o

Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, presenting both sides of the debate. However, the phrasing of Urzúa’s comments as 'no tiene ningún sentido' carries a somewhat dismissive tone, which may subtly influence the reader’s perception despite being reported as a quote.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 78Objective 659 days ago
Kast's farewell to an emotional Duke: "It's a mistake anyone can make, but there are strict rules"

President José Antonio Kast addressed the departure of Natalia Duco from the Ministry of Sports during the ceremony where Francisco Riveros was introduced as her replacement. Kast expressed gratitude for Duco’s work over five months and acknowledged her contributions to Chile’s bid for the Youth Olympics. He mentioned challenges in sports governance, including coordination issues between the National Institute of Sports (IND) and the Ministry of Sports. While Kast did not elaborate on the specific reason for Duco’s exit, he noted that mistakes can happen but emphasized the need to follow strict regulations. He praised Duco’s dedication despite the circumstances and highlighted the difficult decisions required in such situations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the event, quoting Kast’s remarks directly without apparent ideological bias. It includes both his acknowledgment of Duco’s efforts and his comments on the regulatory framework, without favoring any particular political stance.

Why factuality (78): The article provides details about President Kast's comments regarding Natalia Duco's departure from the Ministry of Sports, including his acknowledgment of her work and mention of challenges in sports management. It cites the reason for her exit as a disciplinary issue related to misuse of a govern

Why objectivity (65): The tone leans towards portraying Kast in a positive light, emphasizing his appreciation for Duco and his vision for Chile. The article includes direct quotes from Kast but does not present opposing viewpoints or contextualize the political implications of Duco's departure, leading to a somewhat one

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 809 days ago
The candidates who are shuffling to replace Natalia Duco in the Ministry of Sport

The article reports on the removal of Natalia Duco, former Olympic shot putter and head of the Ministry of Sports, along with her deputy Andrés Otero, due to allegations of misuse of a state vehicle. The scandal was revealed by El Deportivo, which provided evidence to the Office of the Controller. President José Antonio Kast requested their resignations. The government is now seeking replacements for both positions. Potential candidates include Rodrigo Delgado, a former mayor and minister under Sebastián Piñera, and Pauline Kantor, a former minister and journalist. For Otero’s replacement, Sofia Rengifo, currently Director General of the National Institute of Sports (IND), is being considered.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, listing potential candidates without overtly favoring any particular political ideology. It provides background on the individuals involved without taking a clear partisan stance, maintaining a balanced tone throughout.

Why factuality (75): The article provides specific details about Natalia Duco being removed from her position due to alleged misuse of a government vehicle, citing El Deportivo's report from April 23rd. It also mentions President José Antonio Kast requesting her resignation and the search for replacements. The names of

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the events in a relatively neutral manner, reporting facts without overt bias. It uses formal language and avoids strong emotional or ideological framing. However, it focuses primarily on the removal of Natalia Duco and the search for replacements, potentially giving more attent

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 75Objective 708 days ago
Natalia Duco vs. Andrés Otero: the short circuit that finished disarming the Ministry of Sport

The article discusses the conflict between Chilean sports minister Natalia Duco and her deputy Andres Otero, highlighting their differing approaches to managing the Ministry of Sports. Duco, a former Olympic athlete who faced a three-year doping suspension, was appointed by President Jose Antonio Kast after being recommended by Senator Sebastian Keitel. Otero, a former journalist and political figure, was chosen to guide Duco with his experience in politics. Initially, they appeared to work well together, passing key legislative reforms and supporting Chile's bid for the Youth Olympics. However, tensions arose over their contrasting views on sports management, leading to a breakdown in communication and an inability to collaborate effectively.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the conflict as stemming from ideological differences in governance style, emphasizing Otero's political background and Duco's athletic legacy. While both are presented as qualified, the narrative subtly positions Otero's experience as more suitable for navigating political waters

Why factuality (75): The article discusses Natalia Duco's resignation and her relationship with Andrés Otero, citing quotes from Duco herself. While these details are supported by other articles, the focus on personal accounts and internal government tensions makes it less aligned with the cross-source consensus focused

Why objectivity (70): The tone has a more narrative style, with quotes from Natalia Duco that suggest a personal perspective. This introduces some subjectivity, particularly in the portrayal of events leading to her resignation.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 75Objective 608 days ago
To govern is to punish

The article critiques the first five months of President José Antonio Kast’s administration in Chile, highlighting numerous controversies such as early cabinet changes, chronic underperformance of state agencies (seremis), and the lack of a coherent security strategy. Despite these issues, the government has consistently communicated a message of collective punishment as its core governance approach, reflecting a perception that voters elected Kast out of frustration with the previous administration rather than genuine support for his policies. The article suggests that Kast’s government aims to shrink the state by cutting resources for social programs, which risks negatively impacting ordinary citizens despite being framed as targeting inefficient bureaucrats and corrupt elites. The government’s policies have faced resistance in areas like culture and science, particularly affecting humanities and social sciences.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the government’s actions as punitive toward the population, emphasizing a narrative of collective punishment and resentment against the previous administration. It portrays the current government as implementing policies that reduce state intervention while implying that these cut

Why factuality (75): The article provides a critical analysis of the government's actions but does not make specific factual claims that can be verified against external sources. It references general issues like cabinet changes, communication problems, and security policies, which align with common reporting on governa

Why objectivity (60): The tone is clearly biased toward criticizing the government, using phrases like 'castigo colectivo' (collective punishment) and describing the president’s approach as akin to 'someter a un animal chúcaro' (submitting a stubborn animal). This metaphorical language and framing of the government as pu

BioBioChile logoBioBioChileIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 609 days ago
Francisco Riveros, the former manager of Palestino and advisor to Kast who takes over as Sports Minister

Francisco Riveros has been appointed as the new Minister of Sports in Chile. He previously served as the manager of Palestino, a football club, and was an advisor to José Antonio Kast, a prominent politician. This appointment marks a transition from his roles in sports management and political advising to a governmental position.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a personnel change within the government, providing factual information without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not present any overtly positive or negative commentary on the individual or their affiliations.

Why factuality (75): The article briefly mentions Francisco Riveros’ background as a former manager of Palestino and advisor to Kast, providing factual information about his appointment. However, it lacks detailed context about the broader political or administrative changes, making it less comprehensive compared to the

Why objectivity (60): The tone is more neutral compared to the previous article, focusing primarily on factual reporting of Riveros’ appointment. However, it omits any discussion of the controversy surrounding Duco’s resignation or the political implications, resulting in a limited perspective that misses key contextual

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 65Objective 609 days ago
Live: La Moneda makes a new cabinet change after the departure of Natalia Duco

The Chilean Ministry of Sports has undergone another cabinet change after former minister Natalia Duco was removed from her position. The decision came following new information about the misuse of a government vehicle in April. During a ceremony at La Moneda, President José Antonio Kast acknowledged Duco’s contributions, particularly during the Youth Olympic Games, while expressing regret over the need to make difficult decisions. Francisco Riveros, who previously served as a senior advisor to the presidency, was appointed as the new minister of sports. The event took place shortly after Duco resigned, marking a significant shift in leadership within the ministry.

Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a political personnel change and includes statements from high-level officials, it presents both the resignation of Natalia Duco and the appointment of Francisco Riveros without overtly favoring either side. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the procedural aspects of閣

Why factuality (65): The article reports on a cabinet reshuffle at La Moneda following Natalia Duco's removal from her position as Minister of Sports. It mentions new evidence regarding misuse of a fiscal vehicle in April, but does not provide specific details or sources for this claim. The article includes quotes from

Why objectivity (60): The tone leans toward positive acknowledgment of Natalia Duco’s contributions, particularly through quotes from José Antonio Kast. While the article presents information neutrally, it frames the situation in a way that emphasizes leadership transitions and policy changes, potentially giving more wei

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 60Objective 659 days ago
The criterion of "non-aggression": why Kast decapitated the entire sports ministry (and not just Duco)

The article discusses the resignation of Chilean Sports Minister Natalia Duco and her deputy secretary, Andrés Otero, under President Sebastián Piñera (Kast). The controversy began after a video surfaced showing Duco attending a private event in a government vehicle, which raised questions about misuse of resources. However, tensions between Duco and Otero had been building for weeks, with reports suggesting Otero wanted to replace Duco as minister and questioned her understanding of public administration. Despite Otero denying he recorded the video, Piñera decided to remove both officials, signaling a broader message to the cabinet that internal conflicts within ministries would not be tolerated. This decision followed a similar move earlier in June when Piñera removed a deputy secretary from the Ministry of Women amid disputes.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the events surrounding the resignations, citing multiple perspectives and providing context about the internal conflicts within the ministry. It does not favor either side but explains the reasons behind the president’s decision and the implications for the

Why factuality (60): This article appears to be an incomplete or partially published piece discussing political debates around José Antonio Kast's ideology. It lacks specific information about the current event and focuses more on broader political discourse rather than the appointment of Riveros or Duco’s resignation.

Why objectivity (65): The tone is more analytical and opinionated, suggesting a political stance on the center-left's response to Kast's policies. While not overtly biased, it leans into ideological discussion rather than remaining strictly neutral.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒Centeryesterday
Francisco Riveros, Minister of Sport: There are problems with Santiago 2023 that we are reviewing and that call attention

Francisco Riveros, newly appointed Minister of Sports under President José Antonio Kast, discusses his transition into the role and the challenges facing the ministry. He acknowledges the work done by his predecessor, Natalia Duco, despite her recent departure amid tension within the Ministry of Sports (Mindep). Riveros emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders in sports, including former ministers, to ensure continuity and improvement. He highlights the importance of learning from past experiences and maintaining a constructive approach to address issues within the sector. The interview also touches on ongoing administrative processes, such as the appointment of the Undersecretary.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward interview with the new minister, focusing on his views on leadership transitions, collaboration, and institutional responsibilities. There is no overt ideological framing, and the content remains focused on administrative and policy matters without clear bias.

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