Senator Francisco Huenchumilla resigned from the presidency of the Christian Democratic Party (DC) on Sunday night. In a letter to party members, he argued that a new generation should take over party leadership. The DC will hold internal elections in the first half of 2026.
Francisco Huenchumilla, senator for La Araucanía and interim president of the Christian Democratic Party (DC) since July 2025, announced his resignation from the position on the night of Sunday, January 11, 2026. He did so through a statement addressed to the party's leadership and membership, historically known as the Phalanx.
In his declaration, Huenchumilla stressed the need for a generational handover. “I believe a new generation must take over party leadership, and I dare to point out that the eight deputies have a say in this, as politics will fundamentally be made in the major decisions in Parliament, and the party structure must dedicate itself to working directly with all social sectors across the territory with the presence we had in the past,” he wrote.
He added that, under those conditions, he is resigning “from my position as interim president and titular vice president of our party's national board.” Sources close to the senator indicated he had already hinted at not running for the presidency in the internal elections scheduled for the first half of this year. Doubts about his continuation had been observed in his circle since the previous week.
Huenchumilla justified his decision as a necessary step for a new process. “I feel I must step aside so that a new process can begin, where we are honest, conduct a deep self-criticism, and address the ills that afflict us; that's why I'm making this decision,” he stated.
The resignation comes amid transformations in the DC, which seeks to renew itself in the face of political challenges in Chile. No contradictions are reported in the available sources regarding the details of the announcement.
