It goes back to the dictatorship: Yeomans accuses extra-limit allocations for Kast in security reform

Gael Yeomans, the newly elected leader of Chile's Frente Amplio party, has accused the government of granting "excessive powers" to President Sebastián Piñera under its proposed constitutional reform on security. In remarks to Mesa Central, Yeomans criticized the initiative for potentially reverting to authoritarian practices reminiscent of the country’s military dictatorship era. Yeomans specifically targeted provisions within the reform that would allow for the interception of communications and restrictions on personal movement under a new state of exception. She argued these measures were not aligned with modern notions of security and instead echoed policies from the past. "This constitutional reform isn't about security, it's taking us back," she stated. "Giving excessive powers to President Piñera to intercept phones and restrict free movement doesn’t relate to security." The reform aims to establish a new framework for handling public safety through a constitutional organic law, which would include oversight mechanisms from Congress and courts, along with accountability measures for the president. However, Yeomans rejected the notion that such safeguards would address her fundamental concerns with the proposal. She emphasized that the focus should be on pursuing criminals rather than imposing broad restrictions on citizens' freedoms. "We should concentrate on catching criminals, not limiting the freedom of all people in the country," she added. Yeomans pointed out that the issue with the organic law does not resolve deeper political concerns. "The problem with the organic law isn’t solved because the political mistake is thinking this kind of reform will solve the security issues, when we all know it won’t be," she said. In addition to criticizing the reform itself, Yeomans highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing crime. She suggested focusing on intelligence work, youth programs, and tackling educational neglect. "Let’s talk seriously about security, talk about intelligence, talk about childhood, adolescence, how we take care of school abandonment," she urged. She noted that the reform has not fully united the parties supporting the government and mentioned that some right-wing voices have expressed reservations about the proposal. From the opposition, she called for a dual strategy: "On one hand, having an opposition capable of stopping such agendas, and on the other hand, taking responsibility for security and developing proposals." The discussion on security came amid broader criticism from the UDI party following Yeomans' victory in internal elections for the Frente Amplio leadership. In response to a document from the UDI describing her rise to power as a "return of Octoberism", a reference to leftist movements in the late 1960s, Yeomans accused them of caricaturing her positions. "They seem to be looking for an enemy at the moment. Their formula is very caricatured," she remarked. Addressing critics who label her a radical leader, Yeomans defended her stance. "If being radical means defending someone who is on a waiting list at Barros Luco Hospital, then I am radical," she said, referencing a hospital known for treating patients with mental health conditions. The proposed security reform faces a critical test as it must navigate negotiations in Congress to avoid setbacks. The reform seeks to redefine the nation’s approach to public safety, but its passage hinges on securing support from lawmakers across the political spectrum. With Yeomans and others voicing strong opposition, the government will need to engage in extensive dialogue to address concerns and ensure the measure can move forward.