The catharsis of RN with Kast: complaints about criticism of republicans and question lack of coordination with sectoral ministries

President José Antonio Kast convened a meeting with members of his coalition party, Renovación Nacional (RN), at the Cerro Castillo Presidential Palace, where tensions reportedly surfaced over internal disputes and coordination issues within the government. The gathering aimed to address concerns raised by RN lawmakers regarding their role in the ruling bloc and criticism from the Republican Party, which has been vocal about perceived mistreatment from RN. The session lasted more than three hours, starting around 8 p.m. and ending after midnight. The meeting was marked by open dialogue among RN legislators, who expressed frustrations about the lack of coordination with sectoral ministries such as Health, Sports, and Environment. Some lawmakers noted that these ministries often failed to inform them of visits to regions or scheduled legislative sessions, making it difficult for them to attend. They emphasized the need for better communication and prior coordination on legislative announcements, particularly with the relevant parliamentary committees. Diego Schalper, the head of the RN parliamentary faction, led discussions during the meeting. He and other lawmakers highlighted the importance of unity ahead of the 2028 municipal elections, stressing that the party must present a cohesive front. Schalper and Andrea Balladares, the party’s leader, reiterated that despite Kast's departure from the Republican Party, he remained its main figure and should play a greater role if future conflicts arise. Several RN legislators, including Ximena Ossandón, Luis Pardo, and Claudia Mora, addressed the issue of alleged mistreatment by Republicans, citing specific instances where their positions had been criticized. They urged Kast to intervene if such criticisms continued, emphasizing that the Republican Party, now part of the governing coalition, needed to recognize its new role and avoid targeting only its traditional base. Senators Camila Flores and Francisco Orrego warned against repeating past incidents, such as the constitutional accusation against former Minister Nicolás Grau, and stressed the importance of maintaining order within the coalition to prevent further conflicts. They called for clear guidelines for the parties involved to ensure stability and coherence in governance. Balladares described the meeting as positive, noting that all RN legislators were able to voice their concerns openly. She mentioned that Kast shared his vision for the coalition and listened attentively to the representatives. The discussion covered both regional challenges and broader political strategies, reflecting the diverse interests of RN members across different districts. The meeting also included proposals from RN members to improve coordination within the sector. These suggestions focused on enhancing collaboration between the party and sectoral ministries, ensuring that legislative initiatives are discussed and planned in advance with the relevant parliamentary committees. Such measures aim to streamline decision-making processes and strengthen the party's influence in shaping policy. Kast opened the meeting by calling for unity and addressing controversies privately. His presence alongside key figures from the Ministry of State Security, including Minister José García and Undersecretary Constanza Castillo, underscored the significance of the discussion. The informal setting, featuring a menu of local dishes, contributed to a relaxed atmosphere conducive to open dialogue. As the meeting concluded, the focus shifted toward practical steps to implement the proposed improvements in coordination. The emphasis on unity and effective governance will likely shape the party's approach moving forward, particularly as they prepare for upcoming electoral challenges.