The Ministry of Health has requested the resignation of Evelyn Bintrup, the Regional Health Secretary of Los Lagos, following allegations of misconduct. The request was confirmed through a statement issued by the ministry, which acknowledged her contributions during her tenure and promised to announce the appointment of a replacement soon. Bintrup, who has been in office for just over five months, faces at least nine complaints under the Karin Law, two lawsuits, and six protective measures actions. These allegations have prompted the ministry to initiate a thorough investigation into her conduct. Bintrup’s situation marks another instance of high-level personnel changes within the administration of President José Antonio Kast. This follows several other resignations, bringing the total number of regional health officials leaving the government to 32 since Kast took office. The ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency and ethical governance, stating that all investigations will be conducted with due diligence. In a public statement, Bintrup expressed support for these investigations, acknowledging the need for a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding her tenure. In a separate development, the Government has asked the presidential delegate for the province of Chañaral, Sebastián Urrejola Aranda, to resign after the Regional Audit Office of Atacama confirmed his illegal occupation of a state-owned property in the Portofino area of Chañaral. The audit found that Urrejola had been living in the property for approximately 16 years, violating administrative integrity principles. The ministry of the interior informed the public of this decision, citing the importance of upholding public trust and legal standards. The interim responsibility for the region has been taken on by the Undersecretary of Culture, Arts, and Heritage of Atacama, Fernando Flores Fredes, until a permanent replacement is appointed. The case against Urrejola began with a confidential complaint regarding the state-owned property, which was initially identified in a 2019 survey. The property, measuring around 1,000 square meters, was found to be occupied illegally during a recent inspection on June 2. The audit concluded that Urrejola's actions were particularly concerning given his role as a delegated official responsible for overseeing state assets. As a result, the audit authority instructed the Interior Subsecretariat to begin disciplinary proceedings to determine potential administrative responsibilities. Additionally, the National Property Agency must take steps to end the illegal occupation, order the eviction, and recover costs incurred during the period of unauthorized use. Meanwhile, President Kast has also removed Natalia Duco, the Minister of Sports, and her deputy, Andrés Otero, following controversy over their response to a complaint filed with the Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the misuse of a state vehicle. Duco’s tenure ended after five months and two days, following new evidence presented by El Deportivo about an April 23 event that was alleged to involve improper use of a state car. During a meeting at La Moneda, Duco and Otero were cited for providing an explanation that downplayed the misuse and described the gathering as a work-related meeting. However, a video released alongside the report showed them participating in a barbecue with karaoke and alcoholic beverages, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of their justification. The removal of Duco and Otero followed previous cabinet adjustments, including the dismissal of Trinidad Steinert from Security and Mara Sedini from the Department of State and Public Administration. According to internal reports, Duco and Otero had a tense relationship marked by frequent conflicts known within the ministry. The government expressed gratitude for their service and wished them success in their future endeavors. The search for a new minister of sports continues, with no official announcement yet made.
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