The Chamber of Deputies backed a 30-day extension of the state of exception in the southern macrozone on Monday. The measure aims to tackle rural violence in La Araucanía and Biobío.
The Chamber of Deputies approved the extension with 112 votes in favor, 20 against and 11 abstentions. The initiative, requested by President José Antonio Kast, now moves to the Senate for review on Tuesday.
Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado announced a bill to expand the powers of the armed forces during such states. This includes preventive identity checks, searches of clothing and vehicles, and arrests in flagrante delicto.
Alvarado also said the government will fast-track a victim reparation bill inherited from the previous administration. Some 6,000 million pesos will go to economic support and accompaniment programs.
The minister noted an 80% drop in violence incidents since the 2023 peak. A unified military command for the macrozone is also under consideration.
