President-elect José Antonio Kast's government seeks to reinstate the first lady role for his wife, María Pía Adriasola, via decree with limited staff and budget. The move has sparked debate following criticisms from Irina Karamanos, who eliminated the position in 2022. Left-wing views are divided, weighing tradition against modernity for unelected roles.
President-elect José Antonio Kast's new government has announced plans to reinstate the first lady role, eliminated at the end of 2022 during Gabriel Boric's administration. The last to hold it was Irina Karamanos, Boric's former partner, who dissolved La Moneda's Sociocultural Coordination, transferring foundations to sectoral ministries.
According to sources, María Pía Adriasola will not regain control of those foundations. The position will be established by decree, with protocolary, representational, and social articulation functions, such as presence in emergencies to link with the president. It will include staff and budget, but without reversing prior changes.
The announcement drew criticism from Karamanos on X: “Seems like quite a dilemma for Pía, saving the austerity announced by her spouse or saving a tradition that—turning back the clock—fills the ‘void’ left by reigns. Sleeping bags or thrones in the Palace.” She alluded to Kast's austerity pledges, like sleeping in a bag if La Moneda is unprepared.
Kast's spokesperson, Mara Sedini, defended the role: “The first lady role in Chilean tradition is something deep, sincere, and close to the most vulnerable people. Many women in our country's history have fulfilled that role in a very close way to politics toward those who need it most.” She added that Adriasola has a “tremendous vocation for service” and will deepen closeness to the vulnerable, maintaining austerity.
Within the officialism, debate exists: supporters see positive tradition, but detractors question public roles due to kinship, lacking oversight like ministers. A La Tercera editorial argues it is reasonable for representation and beneficial causes, but urges clarifying functions to institutionalize.
On the left, reactions are mixed. Deputy Daniella Cicardini (PS) stated: “Eliminating that figure was not relevant for Chilean women. Symbols matter when they serve people.” Héctor Barría (DC) praised legacies like Leonor Oyarzún's Integra Foundation. However, in the Broad Front, Antonia Orellana rejected reliance on kinship for public functions, and Francisca Bello emphasized political power by right, not as a partner.
The reinstatement appears to align with non-problematic functions, but the debate highlights tensions between tradition and modern equity.
