Several Chilean government ministries are resisting the 3% budget cut ordered by the Treasury Ministry, following the exemption granted to Public Security. President José Antonio Kast admitted evaluating case-by-case exceptions, while portfolios like Education and Social Development argue a lack of room. Negotiations continue amid tensions.
The government exempted the Ministry of Security from the 3% cut after finding it would slash police funding by 64% under the Plan Against Organized Crime. This move, defended by President José Antonio Kast in an interview with ARCHI-affiliated stations on Tuesday, paved the way for potential exceptions in other portfolios.
Kast stated: “We're seeing everyone carry out the cut exercise and, once that's clear, how to establish it, how to present it, we'll see where the cut takes effect and where not.” While stressing the 3% applies evenly, he acknowledged case-by-case reviews.
Treasury Minister Jorge Quiroz and the Budget Directorate are holding bilateral meetings with each ministry. Education officials say there's no real margin, as much of the budget is tied to permanent laws. The minister previously told T13 Radio: “When one talks about cuts, the reality is that Education's budget was already cut [...] Permanent laws were cut.”
Social Development offers a 2.5% adjustment to protect social programs. Housing Minister Iván Poduje noted 97% of the budget is committed to prior debts. Health is reviewing efficiencies to safeguard patients, per Minister May Chomali.
