Manga of cowards and shameless: Deputy Consuelo Veloso attacks Kast and Quiroz

A tense moment unfolded during a parliamentary session in Chile as independent deputy Consuelo Veloso of the Front of Popular Unity launched sharp criticism against President José Antonio Kast and Finance Minister Pablo Quiroz. The incident occurred during the third constitutional review of the National Reconstruction project, with Veloso accusing both officials of corruption and economic mismanagement. Veloso began her intervention by directly addressing Quiroz, who was seated in the chamber. She questioned his competence, stating, “What a relief it is to see Minister Quiroz sitting there. I don’t know how they can say he’s a good economist when it seems he doesn’t even know how to add properly.” She further accused him of being part of corrupt practices that enriched individuals at the expense of ordinary citizens. “I could tell him things I’ve already told him,” she said, “including that he is a shameless person, who participated in the collusion that put money into people’s pockets.” Her remarks turned toward Kast, whom she criticized for deliberately appointing Quiroz despite having received public trust. “I want to speak about something more important, the president José Antonio Kast,” she said. “He knowingly appointed this collaborator of collusion after receiving the confidence of Chileans.” In concluding her speech, Veloso addressed the general public, warning them of potential hardship. “I tell my people that voting is not a blank check,” she said. “These shameless individuals have done what they had to do. The people of Chile will go hungry next year and in the years to come. With the pain of my soul, I assure you.” She concluded by calling out the ministers present, labeling them “a pack of cowards and shameless individuals,” and urged citizens not to allow these figures to exploit them. “The enemies are those who claim that wealth comes from the powerful, while looking down upon workers and the people. You all know this is true.” Following Veloso’s remarks, Ximena Ossandón, the vice-president of the Chamber, called for order and announced that offensive expressions would be removed from the session record. Her intervention marked an attempt to restore decorum amid the heated exchange. The episode highlights ongoing political tensions within Chile’s legislative body, particularly around the National Reconstruction project, a key initiative aimed at restructuring the country’s economic and social policies. Veloso, known for her vocal opposition to government policies, has been a consistent critic of both Kast and his administration, arguing that their actions undermine public welfare and exacerbate inequality. This confrontation adds to a broader pattern of public dissent against the current government, which faces growing scrutiny over its handling of inflation, unemployment, and social inequality. As the debate continues, the outcome of the reconstruction bill, and the role of key lawmakers, will likely remain a focal point of national discourse.