Officialist presidential candidate Jeannette Jara faces two controversies after the Anatel debate: a dispute with Mayor Mario Desbordes over a TAG fine and internal divisions over her comments on María Corina Machado. Jara accused Santiago's municipality of leaking false information about the fine payment, while her remarks on the Venezuelan opposition figure prompted varied reactions in her campaign team. These issues arise days before the December 14 runoff.
On Tuesday, during the Anatel presidential debate, Jeannette Jara (PC) acknowledged a fine for seven TAG-less passes, stating she paid it in 2020. However, on Wednesday, she accused Santiago's Municipality of operating for José Antonio Kast and spreading a fake receipt showing delayed payment until November 2023. "In Santiago's Municipality, there are people operating for Kast. This comes from there and it's a lie," Jara declared at a press point.
Mayor Mario Desbordes (RN) responded harshly: "They catch you lying, and instead of acknowledging and at least apologizing, you throw another very crude lie. The information circulating about your TAG debts does not come from municipal officials." Jara's campaign released an AutoPase certificate confirming the 2020 payment, and the company backed her version, taking responsibility for the date confusion.
Another controversy arose from Jara's comments on María Corina Machado, recent Nobel Peace Prize winner and opponent of Nicolás Maduro. "I don't know her, I only know what comes through television, and I know she has had coup attempts, as well as trying to promote free elections," Jara said, dividing the officialist coalition. Francisco Vidal (PPD), a campaign spokesperson, preferred not to comment and described her as a "legitimate opponent of Maduro, well-deserved Nobel," though noting oscillations in her record.
Alejandra Krauss (DC) expressed a different view: "In the DC, we estimate that Corina Machado is a leadership that has permanently sought freedom for her people and deserves all respect." José Toro (PPD) acknowledged "different positions on María Corina." Campaign chief Paulina Vodanovic emphasized that Jara has been critical of the Venezuelan dictatorship, and Constanza Martínez (FA) stated Jara has been clear on Venezuela. Lautaro Carmona (PC) avoided polemic, respecting the spokespeople.
These disputes occur four days before the runoff, as Jara closes her campaign in the Metropolitan Region while maintaining her offensive against Kast.
