La ministra Duco attacca la stampa per aver messo in discussione la sua gestione: "Hanno studiato quello che stiamo facendo?"

Chile’s Sports Minister, Natalia Duco, has publicly criticized media coverage of her administration, accusing journalists of failing to focus on the initiatives being implemented under her leadership. Speaking in response to recent scrutiny over her management of the Ministry of Sports, Duco urged reporters to pay closer attention to the policies and projects she has introduced rather than dwell on controversies surrounding her tenure. The remarks come amid an ongoing investigation by Chile's Office of the Comptroller General into allegations involving the potential misuse of a government vehicle. Duco addressed the situation during a press conference, emphasizing that while she acknowledges the existence of criticism, she believes the discussion should center on the work being done within the ministry. “We understand there are comments, we understand they want to talk about other topics and we respect that,” she said. However, she added that the public discourse should shift its focus back to sports-related matters. “The country needs physical activity, needs positive things in the narrative, needs to speak about sport, about the Diablas [national women’s football team], about our management, about taking care of the National Stadium,” she stated. She also commented on how the media has covered her administration, noting that both the government and the press have roles to play in shaping the narrative. “One decides how to comment on things, and also it is up to the media to decide how they cover the management of the Ministry of Sports,” she remarked. She questioned whether journalists had thoroughly examined the proposals and initiatives currently underway. “Have you studied well what we are doing, the proposals we are making? Have you listened carefully, for example, to the public accounts and the bills we have?” she asked. Duco emphasized that there were numerous valuable projects worth exploring, which she invited the media to examine more closely. These include efforts aimed at improving sports infrastructure, promoting youth participation in athletics, and ensuring long-term benefits for future generations. “There are many things that sport really needs for us, for the next generation, for our children and for the elderly,” she said. She urged stakeholders to focus on initiatives that genuinely drive progress and provide value instead of getting bogged down in minor disputes, which she claimed would be detrimental to everyone involved. The criticisms against Duco have intensified following the initiation of an internal audit by the Office of the Comptroller General, which is looking into claims related to the alleged misuse of a state-owned vehicle. While the investigation is still ongoing, it has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the ministry’s operations. Despite this, Duco has maintained that the attention should remain on the broader goals of the department rather than on individual incidents. Her comments reflect a growing tension between government officials and the media in Chile, particularly regarding the portrayal of public policy and governance. While Duco has sought to redirect the conversation toward the achievements and objectives of her ministry, critics argue that such issues cannot be ignored and must be addressed transparently. The outcome of the current investigation will likely influence the trajectory of her administration and the level of public trust in her leadership. The Sports Minister’s call for greater focus on the ministry’s initiatives comes at a time when Chile’s sports sector faces multiple challenges, including infrastructure maintenance, athlete support programs, and the need for increased investment in grassroots sports development. As the investigation continues, the effectiveness of Duco’s leadership and the validity of her claims about the media’s role will remain key points of contention.