Illustration depicting ruling coalition's control of most Chamber committees, including Finance and Constitution, amid opposition rift.
Illustration depicting ruling coalition's control of most Chamber committees, including Finance and Constitution, amid opposition rift.
Image generated by AI

Ruling coalition takes control of most committees in Chamber

Image generated by AI

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the ruling coalition secured a majority in 15 of the 27 permanent committees of the Chamber of Deputies, including the key Finance and Constitution committees. The deal reinforced the board agreement, incorporating the DC party, but highlighted a rift between PS and PPD in the opposition.

During the first session of the 2026 parliamentary cycle in the Chamber of Deputies, the ruling coalition—comprising parties like Republicanos, UDI, and RN—finalized the composition of legislative committees. Out of 27 bodies, the right secured majorities in 15, with eight deputies in Finance (chaired by Agustín Romero, Republican) and seven in Constitution (chaired by Jaime Mulet, FRVS, a key figure in the deal for Jorge Alessandri's, UDI, Chamber presidency). Other majorities were gained in Education, Interior Government, Labor, and Health, with seven or eight members each out of 13. The DC party received a vice-presidency as a prior concession. The Finance committee agreed to summon Minister Jorge Quiroz next week and request a government report on the fiscal situation, potentially proposing an investigative committee. Notable presidencies include Economy (Felipe Ross, Republican), Labor (Juan Carlos Meza, Republican), and Health (Andrés Celis, RN). Joanna Pérez (Demócratas) chairs Interior Government. The vote exposed opposition rifts: PPD unanimously supported it, with bloc leader Raúl Soto citing 'legislative responsibility' and autonomy, while PS rejected it. Raúl Leiva (PS) stated that 'the Socialist Party has been vetoed' from Finance, where it has no representatives, unlike PPD's Fernando Zamorano. Sources say PS was pre-notified by PPD. This unfolds under President José Antonio Kast's government.

What people are saying

Discussions on X emphasize the ruling coalition's control over 15 of 27 committees in Chile's Chamber of Deputies, including Finance and Constitution, bolstered by DC and PPD support. Right-wing users celebrate the Republican Party's strong presence and smoother legislative path under Kast's government, using #DisfrutandoLoVotado. Opposition highlights fragmentation, especially PS-PPD rift. Neutral analyses detail presidencies: Hacienda (Republicano), Constitución (FRVS), Educación (UDI), and predict tensions in law-making.

Related Articles

Illustration of Chilean finance committee voting on megareform bill.
Image generated by AI

Finance committee approves idea of legislating megareform with ruling party votes

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

The Finance Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved on Thursday the idea of legislating the national reconstruction megareform project. The initiative advanced with eight votes in favor from ruling party lawmakers, four against and one abstention from the PDG.

Chile's Socialist Party secured two seats on the strategic Senate Finance Committee, while Renovación Nacional claimed the most seats across legislative commissions. This agreement, stemming from party negotiations, sets presidencies and memberships for coming years. The commissions were formed after a prolonged session last week.

Reported by AI

In a key step for President Claudia Sheinbaum's electoral reform—initially unveiled February 25 and formally presented March 4 as the 'decálogo por la democracia' (see prior coverage)—the Chamber of Deputies' Constitutional Points and Political-Electoral Reform committees approved the proposal on March 10, 2026, by 45-39 votes. It heads to plenary discussion, likely March 11, amid PVEM and PT opposition despite their Morena alliance.

Opposition lawmakers announced plans to submit over two thousand amendments to the national reconstruction project pushed by President José Antonio Kast's government. The move drew accusations of legislative sabotage from the executive branch, while some opposition sectors distanced themselves from the strategy.

Reported by AI

The Partido de la Gente announced on Wednesday that its agreement with the government to back the megareform bill has collapsed, accusing the administration of failing to include middle-class benefits such as VAT refunds on medicines and diapers. The decision marks a sharp turn after weeks of talks and internal divisions within the party.

The newly elected Congress of the Republic, set to serve until 2030, faces the challenge of transforming legislation amid low institutional favorability. Two analyses emphasize the need to end corrupt practices and promote economic freedom to boost the country's development. Lawmakers are urged to prioritize reforms in health, education, and pensions, along with greater deliberation in votes.

Reported by AI

Economy Minister Luis Caputo and La Libertad Avanza Senate bloc leader Patricia Bullrich met with allied senators to discuss public works, regional economies, and fiscal balance. The meeting included UCR representatives and provincial dialoguist blocs. The government aims to garner support for its legislative agenda, including electoral reform.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline