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Senate rejects constitutional indictment against former minister Nicolás Grau by wide margin
CL🏛️ Politics2 days ago

Senate rejects constitutional indictment against former minister Nicolás Grau by wide margin

The Senate of Chile rejected the constitutional accusation against former Minister of Finance Nicolás Grau by a significant margin. The accusation, which included four chapters alleging violations of constitutional integrity principles such as fiscal rule breaches and underestimation of public debt, was voted down across all sections. In Chapter I, 25 senators voted against, 16 in favor, and 4 abstained; in Chapter II, 32 against, 9 in favor, and 2 abstentions; in Chapter III, 26 against, 16 in favor, and 3 abstentions; and in Chapter IV, 33 against, 10 in favor, and 2 abstentions. Grau avoided a five-year ban on holding public office. Despite support from the Chamber of Deputies, the accusation failed due to absences, work permits, disqualifications, or lack of conviction among senators. Some senators, like Manuel José Ossandón (RN), explained their absence or stance, while others, like Luciano Cruz-Coke (Evópoli), declared themselves disqualified. The process began with Grau’s arrival at the Valparaíso headquarters, followed by formal procedures including the presentation of the accusation by a commission from the Chamber of Deputies and legal arguments from both sides.

La acusación constitucional contra el exministro de Hacienda Nicolás Grau, impulsada por sectores de la derecha chilena, ha generado un amplio debate dentro del Congreso y entre figuras académicas y políticas. El 22 de junio de 2026, la Cámara de Diputados aprobó la admisibilidad del libelo con 77 votos a favor, 68 en contra y una abstención, lo que marcó el primer paso hacia una decisión final que será tomada por el Senado. La medida, que busca inhabilitar a Grau por supuestas irregularidades en su gestión fiscal, ha sido cuestionada por diversos grupos, incluyendo académicos y legisladores que señalan que se utiliza como herramienta política para desestabilizar el sistema institucional.

El grupo de 36 académicos, compuesto por abogados y politólogos, envió una carta titulada "Acusación constitucional y legitimidad democrática" en la que expresaron su preocupación por la forma en que se está abordando el proceso. Según la carta, la acusación constitucional debe ejercerse responsablemente, ya que representa una facultad esencial del poder legislativo en un sistema con separación de poderes. Los académicos destacaron que los hechos imputados en el libelo—supuestos errores de proyección de deuda—han sido descartados por expertos de diferentes sectores y por el Consejo Fiscal Autónomo. Además, advirtieron que la utilización de esta herramienta en este contexto podría degradar la facultad fiscalizadora del Congreso y generar incentivos equivocados para el ejercicio de cargos públicos relevantes como el de ministro de Hacienda.

La situación se ha visto complicada por la decisión del senador Vlado Mirosevic, del Partido Liberal, de no participar en la gira internacional del Presidente José Antonio Kast a Paraguay y Uruguay. Mirosevic, quien había sido invitado a acompañar al mandatario, decidió quedarse en el país para votar en contra de la acusación constitucional. Su decisión generó una reacción en la derecha, con algunos diputados exigiendo su inhabilitación por anticipar su voto. Sin embargo, Mirosevic explicó que su postura era motivada por la creencia de que la acusación era injusta y que su ausencia podría afectar el balance de poder en la votación.

Paralelamente, la diputada Pamela Jiles, del Partido De la Gente (PDG), ha sido una figura clave en el apoyo a la acusación. Ella, junto con otros miembros de su partido, impulsó la iniciativa en la Cámara de Diputados, obteniendo 77 votos a favor. Jiles ha sido criticada por sectores del oficialismo, especialmente por su cercanía con el PDG, un partido que se percibe como una amenaza para la coalición derechista. La diputada Stephanie Jéldrez, de Chile Vamos, incluso llamó a Jiles a "tomar clases de política", sugiriendo que su postura refleja una tendencia a la improvisación y a la alianza con figuras que podrían dividir el bloque conservador.

La acusación constitucional también ha generado tensiones dentro del oficialismo, con diputados como Diego Schalper y Agustín Romero mostrando desacuerdo con la iniciativa. Schalper, líder de la bancada de Renovación Nacional, rechazó la acusación, argumentando que no tenía base sólida y que se usaba como herramienta para perseguir a figuras políticas. La tensión se intensificó en la Cámara, donde se registraron momentos de confrontación entre diputados, incluyendo un intercambio de palmadas entre Schalper y Romero, simbolizando la polarización que rodea el tema.

El Senado, que ahora se encargará de decidir el destino de la acusación, enfrenta su propia dinámica. La presidenta de la Cámara Alta, Paulina Núñez, anunció que los comités parlamentarios acordaron fijar la votación para el próximo martes, lo que obligará al Senado a suspender sus actividades regionales. El exministro Grau, acompañado de su abogado Patricio Zapata, espera defenderse en el Senado, donde anticipa que su postura será respaldada por varios legisladores que consideran que la acusación carece de fundamento legal.

La situación refleja una crisis institucional en Chile, donde la acusación constitucional se ha convertido en un instrumento polémico. Mientras algunos ven en ella una necesidad de fiscalización, otros la perciben como una herramienta para desestabilizar a figuras políticas. La tensión entre la derecha y la izquierda, junto con las divisiones internas dentro de las bancadas, sugiere que el proceso no será fácil. La decisión final del Senado podría tener implicaciones profundas para el funcionamiento del sistema político chileno y para la percepción de la legitimidad institucional.

14 reports

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒LeftFactual 90Objective 8010 days ago
The lie was imposed: Frente Amplio lashes out at the government and the officialdom after AC's approval of Grau in the House

The Frente Amplio, led by Constanza Martínez, strongly criticized the government and the ruling coalition after the Chamber of Deputies approved an accusation against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau (Frente Amplio). The vote passed with 77 votes in favor, 68 against, and one abstention, allowing the accusation to proceed to the Senate. Martínez accused the opposition of spreading falsehoods and emphasized that no experts supported the accusation, nor did the review committee recommend proceeding. She argued that the move was aimed at advancing policies such as tax cuts for the wealthy and reducing social rights. Martínez urged the Senate to reject the accusation against Grau.

Bias read (Left): The article presents the Frente Amplio's perspective, using strong language to accuse the opposing parties of spreading 'falsehoods' and advancing policies that benefit the wealthy. It emphasizes the lack of support for the accusation from experts and the review committee, framing the issue as a mis

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Neutral reporting on the review committee's findings, citing official sources like the Autonomous Fiscal Council. Balanced perspective with minimal editorializing.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 805 days ago
Special Senate session on Grau's indictment will mark the week: what will Congress be up to in the coming days

The Senate of Chile will hold two special sessions on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, to process a constitutional accusation against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau. The first session will begin at 10:30 AM and involve the presentation of the accusation by a committee of deputies, followed by the defense led by constitutional lawyer Patricio Zapata. Both sides will have opportunities to respond and counterrespond. The second session later that day will focus on voting on the accusation, with senators having up to five minutes each to justify their vote on the four chapters of the accusation. Additionally, the Senate’s Commission on Future Challenges, Science, Technology, and Innovation will conduct field sessions in early July, meeting with representatives from international astronomical organizations in northern Chile.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the legislative process surrounding the constitutional accusation against Nicolás Grau, detailing the procedural steps and participants involved. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content remains neutral,

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports on the Senate's special session regarding the constitutional accusation against Grau, aligning with the primary source. It presents events neutrally without taking sides.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 8010 days ago
Senate chamber will review the constitutional accusation against ex-minister Grau next Tuesday

The Senate Chamber will review the constitutional charge against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau on Tuesday, June 30, at 10:30 AM. This follows the approval by the Chamber of Deputies of the admissibility of the accusation. Senate President Paulina Núñez (RN) announced that the full Senate will examine the document despite it being a legislative recess week when Congress typically does not meet. Núñez will summon the accused and the designated committee of deputies—Pier Karlezi (PNL), Benjamín Moreno (REP), and Paulina Muñoz (PNL)—to formalize and continue the accusation. During the special session, senators will present their arguments regarding the four chapters of the accusation, starting with a report from the Senate’s general secretary.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral account of the procedural steps being taken by the Senate regarding the constitutional charge against a former minister. It reports on the timeline, participants, and process without evident bias or loaded language. The framing remains factual and balanced, focusing on

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Provides detailed information on the Senate's review of the constitutional accusation, aligning with the primary source. Maintains neutrality in reporting the legal process.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒LeftFactual 85Objective 7520 days ago
Tohá criticizes accusation against Grau and accuses political use of constitutional tool

Ex-minister Carolina Tohá criticized the constitutional charge against former minister Nicolás Grau, arguing that such tools have been used as part of political disputes rather than according to the Constitution's intended purpose. She stated that the case against Grau goes beyond typical charges because it focuses on economic projections made by the Ministry of Finance, which are speculative and not yet realized. Tohá emphasized that these projections are common practice in the ministry and often do not come to fruition due to the limitations of forecasting methods.

Bias read (Left): The article presents criticism of a constitutional charge from a left-leaning figure, highlighting concerns about the misuse of legal tools in political conflicts. The framing emphasizes the potential overreach of legal actions and critiques the political motivations behind them, aligning with left-

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Reports on the criticism from Carolina Tohá, who argues the accusation is politically motivated. While factual, the article shows some bias by highlighting the political angle over the legal aspects.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 703 days ago
Moreira's particular gesture that caused laughter in the midst of the AC against Grau

During a session of Chile's Senate, Senator Moreira drew laughter when he forcefully rang the bell to call order amid a debate involving accusations against former Finance Minister Grau. The incident occurred as Senator Juan Luis Castro requested shorter interventions by parliamentarians during the discussion. Moreira's attempt to assert authority in the chamber was met with humor rather than compliance, highlighting a moment of unexpected levity in a politically charged environment.

Bias read (Center): The article describes a neutral event—Moreira's action during a Senate session—without overtly favoring any political side. It focuses on the humorous reaction to his attempt to enforce order, without editorializing or biased language.

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article describes an incident where Senator Moreira used a gavel to call order during a session, leading to laughter. It provides a clear account of the event but lacks broader context. Objectivity is somewhat compromised by focusing on the humorous aspect rather than presenting a balanced view.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 7011 days ago
Marisol Peña and AC against Grau: I don't see any merit in the libel to approve this accusation

Marisol Peña, former president of Chile's Constitutional Court and now a researcher at the Center for Constitutional Justice at the University of Development, testified before the parliamentary committee reviewing an Acusación Constitucional (AC) against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau. She argued that the legal basis for the AC was weak, stating that the document did not clearly demonstrate specific constitutional or legal violations by Grau. Peña emphasized that the AC process requires concrete evidence of wrongdoing, not just general appeals to principles. Her testimony influenced some lawmakers to reject the AC. While she supports the institution of AC as a mechanism for holding leaders accountable, she criticized its recent misuse, particularly in cases involving cabinet ministers, where it has been used to pressure the president to request resignations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Marisol Peña’s legal analysis of the AC against Nicolás Grau in a balanced manner, quoting her arguments without overtly favoring any side. It includes her critique of the AC’s potential misuse but does not frame her comments as supporting or opposing the current government or a

Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 70): Includes expert opinion from Marisol Peña, who critiques the constitutional accusation. While factually sound, the article has a slight leaning toward skepticism of the political motives behind the accusation.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 7015 days ago
Zandra Parisi and constitutional accusation against Grau: For me it is a waste of time

Zandra Parisi, a member of the Party of the People (PDG), expressed her view that the constitutional charge against former minister Nicolás Grau is a waste of time. She stated she was elected to work for citizens and draft laws, not to spend time on such charges. Parisi also mentioned that similar charges against others have had no real consequences and questioned whether the charge aims for a political or legal trial.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Zandra Parisi's opinion without editorializing or emphasizing any particular ideological stance. It quotes her directly and does not frame the content with biased language or selective sourcing.

Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 70): Contains statements from Zandra Parisi expressing frustration with the constitutional accusation. While factual, the tone is more subjective, reflecting personal views on the political impact.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 7017 days ago
Zandra Parisi (PDG): I hope the Senate will say no to this constitutional accusation (against Grau)

Zandra Parisi, a member of the PDG (Partido de la Gente), discusses the potential vote on the constitutional accusation against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau. She indicates that her party plans to vote together but has not yet made a final decision. Parisi expresses skepticism about the process, arguing it wastes time and prevents important legislation from being passed. She also suggests that this could set a precedent for future accusations against current officials.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Zandra Parisi’s statements without overtly favoring any side. It includes her concerns about procedural issues and potential consequences, while not explicitly endorsing or criticizing her position. The framing remains neutral, focusing on her expressed views rather than takinga

Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 70): Zandra Parisi expresses concerns about the time wasted on the constitutional accusation. While factual, the article reflects personal opinions and a critical stance towards the political process.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒RightFactual 75Objective 6521 days ago
Gabriel Domínguez (PNL), the ghostwriter of the accusation against Nicolas Grau

Gabriel Domínguez Valdés, a 34-year-old lawyer and advisor to the parliamentary bloc of the National Libertarian Party (PNL), has been involved in recent constitutional accusations against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau (from the FA party). Domínguez previously worked on similar accusations while part of the Republican Party's parliamentary group, targeting former ministers Izkia Siches, Giorgio Jackson, and Carolina Tohá, none of which succeeded. He ran as a Republican candidate for the Constitutional Council in the O'Higgins region in 2023 but was not elected. During the constitutional

Bias read (Right): The article focuses on a legal figure associated with the right-wing PNL party who is involved in an accusation against a member of the center-left FA party. The framing emphasizes the individual’s background within right-wing politics and his role in advancing this accusation, without providing a平衡

Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 65): The article provides factual information about Grau’s defense but includes some subjective commentary from Grau himself. While aligned with the primary source, it leans slightly towards supporting his position.

BioBioChile logoBioBioChileIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 553 days ago
Senate rejects constitutional indictment against former minister Nicolás Grau

The Chilean Senate has rejected a constitutional accusation against former Minister Nicolás Grau. The motion, which sought to hold Grau accountable for alleged misconduct during his tenure, was voted down by the Senate. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal and political scrutiny surrounding Grau’s actions. The rejection highlights the complexity of constitutional procedures in Chile and the role of legislative bodies in such matters.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the outcome of a Senate vote without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side of the issue. It reports the fact that the accusation was rejected, but does not emphasize any particular ideological stance or provide additional commentary beyond the procedural result.

Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 55): Article discusses a different event (acusación constitucional against ex-minister Grau) rather than the economic growth forecast by Jorge Quiroz. It lacks direct reference to the primary source document.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 60Objective 4525 days ago
Nicolás Grau signs Patricio Zapata (DC) as his lawyer to face AC against him

The former Minister of Finance Nicolás Grau (FA) has hired lawyer Patricio Zapata (DC) to defend him against an accusation of constitutional responsibility. The accusation was filed by Republicans and Libertarians and includes four chapters focusing on Grau's role in managing the country's finances. The charge stems from a claim made by current Minister of Finance Jorge Quiroz regarding a calculation error in the public debt for the period 2026–2030, amounting to over $10 billion. Grau broke his silence after the end of President Gabriel Boric’s administration and reached out to lawmakers,经济学家

Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the legal actions taken against Nicolás Grau and mentions his defense strategy, including hiring Patricio Zapata. The article does not use biased language or selectively omit information to support a particular viewpoint.

Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 45): The article accurately reports on Nicolás Grau hiring Patricio Zapata as his lawyer to defend against a constitutional accusation. However, it does not mention Jorge Quiroz or the economic growth forecast from the primary source, making it only tangentially related. The tone leans slightly towards s

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 50Objective 403 days ago
Senate rejects constitutional indictment against former minister Nicolás Grau by wide margin

The Senate of Chile rejected the constitutional accusation against former Minister of Finance Nicolás Grau by a significant margin. The accusation, which included four chapters alleging violations of constitutional integrity principles such as fiscal rule breaches and underestimation of public debt, was voted down across all sections. In Chapter I, 25 senators voted against, 16 in favor, and 4 abstained; in Chapter II, 32 against, 9 in favor, and 2 abstentions; in Chapter III, 26 against, 16 in favor, and 3 abstentions; and in Chapter IV, 33 against, 10 in favor, and 2 abstentions. Grau avoided a five-year ban on holding public office. Despite support from the Chamber of Deputies, the accusation failed due to absences, work permits, disqualifications, or lack of conviction among senators. Some senators, like Manuel José Ossandón (RN), explained their absence or stance, while others, like Luciano Cruz-Coke (Evópoli), declared themselves disqualified. The process began with Grau’s arrival at the Valparaíso headquarters, followed by formal procedures including the presentation of the accusation by a commission from the Chamber of Deputies and legal arguments from both sides.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced account of the Senate vote, detailing the results per chapter, the reasons for rejection, and quotes multiple senators' positions without apparent ideological bias. It includes perspectives from both supporters and opponents of the accusation, presenting the event asa

Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 40): This article discusses a different event entirely, focusing on a constitutional accusation against a former minister rather than the economic growth projections or budgetary plans mentioned in the primary source. It lacks alignment with the main topic.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 50Objective 305 days ago
The constitutional complaint

On June 23, 2026, a constitutional accusation was filed against former Minister of Finance Nicolás Grau. The article outlines the legal criteria that must be met for such an accusation to proceed: whether Grau seriously compromised national honor or security, violated the Constitution or laws, or committed crimes such as treason, bribery, embezzlement of public funds, or corruption. The piece includes commentary from lawyer Adolfo Paúl Latorre, who frames the questions that need to be answered to determine if the accusation is valid. The article references additional information about the Senate and former Minister Grau.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal framework for evaluating the constitutional accusation against a high-ranking official but does not take a clear stance or exhibit biased language. It provides a balanced overview of the situation without favoring any side.

Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 30): This article discusses an unrelated constitutional accusation against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau, not related to the primary source document about Jorge Quiroz’s economic growth projection. It lacks connection to the main topic and presents a political issue without reference to the stated

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒Center2 days ago
La Moneda tries to reduce tensions in the bureaucracy: Kast convenes party presidents for this Friday

The article discusses growing tensions within Chile's right-wing political sphere, particularly between members of the governing coalition led by President José Antonio Kast. The controversy stems from the failed constitutional accusation against former Interior Minister Andrés Chadwick Grau, which was rejected by the Senate despite efforts by conservative parties. This has intensified rivalries between factions within the right, including 'cobarde' (cowardly) and 'valiente' (brave) groups. Kast, currently on a state visit to Uruguay, has called for a breakfast meeting with leaders of his supporting parties to address internal divisions. Meanwhile, some within the coalition accuse the executive branch of being passive in managing these conflicts. Political figures like Senator Manuel José Ossandón and Agustín Romero have criticized the move, with Ossandón accusing Republicans of undermining the presidency. The situation highlights deepening fractures within the ruling alliance.

Bias read (Center): While the article presents a polarized political environment, it does not overtly favor one side over another. It reports on accusations and counter-accusations without taking a clear ideological stance. The framing remains balanced, presenting multiple perspectives without leaning toward either the

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