Opposition seeks to square itself with the government's security agenda and announces a table with mayors to raise ideas
The opposition in Chile is seeking alignment with the government's new security agenda, known as the Agenda contra el Crimen Organizado y Terrorismo (ACOT), which aims to establish public safety as a state responsibility in the constitution. Following the defeat of the previous government's major reform, opposition leaders including representatives from the Socialist Party (PS) have begun discussions to propose measures related to this agenda. The ACOT includes initiatives such as creating a new state of exception, registering criminal organizations, differentiated prison regimes, and easier asset seizure against criminal groups. Opposition parties plan to form a committee involving politicians, mayors, and experts to develop proposals and avoid confusion during legislative processing. Critics from the Frente Amplio and DC parties express concerns over the government's rushed approach and lack of transparency, while some, like PPD leader Raúl Soto, advocate for collaboration rather than opposition.
Raúl Soto, the leader of the Democratic Alliance Party (PPD) and a prominent opposition figure in Chile’s Congress, emphasized the need for collaboration over confrontation in addressing national security issues during a recent interview with La Tercera. The remarks came after Soto and other opposition leaders opted not to attend the official signing ceremony of the constitutional reform focused on security, which was led by President José Antonio Kast earlier this week. Instead, they held their usual weekly meeting to outline the opposition's stance on the proposed megareform. While the government moved forward with its initiative, the opposition expressed a willingness to engage constructively, though with caution and a commitment to scrutinizing the details of the legislation. The meeting among opposition leaders took place amid growing concerns over the government’s approach to security reforms. According to Soto, the PPD has a positive disposition toward legislative matters related to safety, but he stressed that the opposition must ensure that the government does not exploit the situation to push through policies that could be perceived as excessive or politically motivated. This sentiment reflects broader skepticism within the opposition regarding the administration’s intentions, particularly given the contentious process surrounding the previous tax reform. Soto warned against allowing far-right factions within the government to drive the agenda too aggressively, potentially leading to measures that go beyond reasonable limits in the name of security. The opposition’s strategy appears to involve forming a unified front while acknowledging internal differences. Soto acknowledged that there would likely be varying positions within the opposition coalition but urged for coordination and mutual respect. His comments suggest a desire to avoid fragmentation while still ensuring that the government’s proposals are thoroughly examined before being approved. In parallel, the opposition has begun organizing discussions aimed at developing comprehensive responses to the government’s new security agenda, known as the Agenda Against Organized Crime and Terrorism (ACOT). This initiative seeks to formally recognize public safety as a state responsibility in the constitution and includes proposals such as establishing a new state of exception, creating a registry of criminal organizations, implementing differentiated prison regimes, and facilitating the seizure of assets from criminal groups. These measures have sparked both interest and concern among political actors across the spectrum. The opposition has taken steps to structure its response, including the formation of a working group comprising lawmakers, mayors, and experts in the field of security. This effort aims to generate coherent policy proposals and prevent disarray during the legislative process. Arturo Barrios, secretary general of the Socialist Party (PS), confirmed the creation of such a commission, highlighting the importance of collective input in shaping the nation’s security policies. Criticism of the government’s approach has been vocal, particularly from progressive factions. Constanza Martínez, president of the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), accused the administration of using security issues as a tool for political propaganda, emphasizing the need for serious and transparent dialogue. She argued that security should be treated as a national priority rather than a partisan issue, requiring robust institutional support rather than temporary majorities. Similarly, Álvaro Ortiz, president of the Christian Democrats (DC), criticized the government’s rush to approve reforms without providing sufficient information on resources, timelines, and objectives. Despite these criticisms, Soto maintained a more conciliatory tone, advocating for constructive engagement. He reiterated his belief that the opposition should contribute positively to the security agenda rather than merely opposing it. However, he cautioned against complacency, urging careful examination of the legal text to prevent the government from circumventing meaningful oversight. His remarks underscore the delicate balance the opposition seeks to strike, cooperating with the government on critical issues while safeguarding against potential overreach.
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