Chile's Senate approved on Wednesday, by 34 votes in favor, six against and one abstention, the bill authorizing a monument to former President Sebastián Piñera in Plaza de la Ciudadanía. The measure, already passed by the Chamber of Deputies, will be funded through public collections and donations coordinated by his family foundation. The debate featured praise for his career alongside tensions over the 2019 social unrest.
Chile's Senate gave the green light on Wednesday to the bill for a monument commemorating former President Sebastián Piñera, who died in a helicopter accident in Lago Ranco in 2024. The vote was 34 in favor, six against, and one abstention, following prior approval in the Chamber of Deputies.
The site was shifted to Plaza de la Ciudadanía, in front of La Moneda, at the request of the Piñera Echeñique family, where memorials to Patricio Aylwin and Arturo Alessandri Palma already stand. Funding will come from public collections, donations, and private contributions managed by the Fundación Presidente Sebastián Piñera Echeñique. An executive commission, including representatives from various institutions, will oversee it, with surplus funds going to publications on his legacy.
Senators from across the aisle praised his career during debate. Senator Andrea Balladares (RN) placed him among Chile's great presidents, while Luciano Cruz-Coke (Evópoli) highlighted his democratic character. Fidel Espinoza (PS) supported it despite differences, citing institutional legitimacy.
Tensions arose nonetheless. Claudia Pascual (PC) questioned the timing of the tribute, referencing 2019 human rights violations. Fabiola Campillai criticized Piñera's decisions amid the protests, countered by Rodolfo Carter, who rejected claims of complicity in abuses.
