The Chilean executive presented to the Chamber's Security Commission a proposal to cut $72.669 billion from the Ministry of Security's budget, meeting Hacienda's 3% requirement. The measure mainly affects Carabineros and PDI, drawing cross-party criticism in Congress for inconsistency with the 'emergency government' narrative. Officials assure it won't impact sensitive areas.
On Monday, Security Minister Trinidad Steinert and Subsecretary Andrés Jouannet presented to the Chamber's Security Commission the proposal from President José Antonio Kast's government to cut 3% from the Ministry of Security's budget, totaling $72,669,626,000 from over two trillion pesos. Jouannet stressed it is a proposal awaiting validation by the Budget Directorate and that 'none of the cuts will involve sensitive issues that naturally affect the country's security.' He assured reductions would spare critical operations, such as vehicle and quarters maintenance. The largest cuts hit Carabineros, with $11 billion less in personnel, $4.7 billion in operations and services, and $33 billion from the Plan Against Organized Crime, delaying vehicle purchases. PDI faces a $16 billion drop, mainly $13.266 billion in personnel and per diems. Other reductions include $10 billion for Judicial Cases Tracking, $583 million from the National Plan Against Organized Crime, $1.787 million from Streets Without Violence, $3.527 million from Somos Barrio Prioritario, and $143 million from the National Cybersecurity Agency. Parliamentarians from government and opposition benches criticized the plan. Deputy Gloria Naveillan (National Libertarian Party) voiced concerns over vehicle maintenance and police staffing. Deputy Enrique Bassalett (Republicans) decried a 'lack of consistency' and urged exempting police from cuts. Similar critiques came from Raúl Leiva (PS) and Bernardo Salinas (PC), who prioritized security over other areas.
