The Senate chamber unanimously approved, with 31 votes in favor, the constitutional reform creating the Judicial Appointments Council and modifying judicial governance. The bill, pushed by the government in October 2024 after the Audio case scandal, aims to introduce radical changes in judge selection and judicial administration. Senators from various parties backed the initiative, though they requested indications for its refinement.
The constitutional reform bill, in its second constitutional stage, was approved in general during the Senate session on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Initiated by the Executive in October 2024, it arose in response to the Audio case scandal, which involved lawyer Luis Hermosilla and affected figures in the Judicial Power, including judges and ministers.
Among the proposed changes, judicial governance is modified by removing courts from selecting slates for judge appointments and suppressing the Supreme Court's directive, correctional, and economic superintendency, established since 1833. The core of the reform is the creation of the Judicial Appointments Council, an autonomous body based on principles of objectivity, technicality, professionalism, independence, and merit, which will select candidates through effective opposition mechanisms. Additionally, an autonomous body is established for the administration and management of tribunal resources, excluding the Constitutional Court, Electoral Qualifying Court, and others defined by organic constitutional law.
The discussion received cross-party support, though senators raised observations. UDI Senator Juan Antonio Coloma backed the vote but criticized the lack of debate: “This is a constitutional reform, it's something important. Trying to open the vote without a minimum discussion goes against what I believe should be a debate in Congress.” Independent Senator Alejandra Sepúlveda highlighted the questioning of the Judicial Power: “If there's something that has surprised us all, it's how this fundamental state power is under constant questioning today.” FREVS Senator Esteban Velásquez emphasized autonomy: “The demands we all have... those who must administer justice must be autonomous, because otherwise, to some extent, the judicial system... ends up being a puppet.” RN Senator Francisco Chahuán, ineligible to vote, noted it requires modifications. PS Senator José Miguel Insulza saw few objections: “I see this as the beginning of a task.” Finally, UDI Senator Javier Macaya valued the new resource body: “It's by far the most relevant from the perspective of freeing the Supreme Court from a function that has diverted its jurisdictional focus.”
The deadline for submitting indications was set for Thursday, January 15, 2026. After approval, Senator Iván Moreira adjourned the session for a Christmas activity with staff.
