Chile's Congress approved the extension of the state of exception in the Macrozona Sur, proposed by President José Antonio Kast's government. The measure received strong support in both chambers despite criticisms over ongoing violent incidents. Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado reported a 10% rise in rural violence cases this year.
President José Antonio Kast's ministerial team, including Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado (UDI), Defense Minister Fernando Barros, Security Minister Trinidad Steinert, and José García (RN) from the General Secretariat of the Presidency, presented the extension of the state of exception in Macrozona Sur to Congress, approved on March 25, 2026, for the first time under this administration. The Chamber of Deputies passed it with 122 votes in favor, 19 against, and 9 abstentions; the Senate with 40 in favor, 2 abstentions, and 1 against. Alvarado noted rural violence incidents have dropped 80% since 2021 but rose 10% this year compared to 2025, per Carabineros data to March 8, with increases in threats, robberies, disorders, and arms law violations. “Situations like this are a call to be alert. We cannot, by being complacent, give subversive groups the chance to reemerge stronger,” said Alvarado. Steinert highlighted 13 judicial cases nearing oral trial preparation, which “tense the population” and justify the extension. Opposition criticism arose: Frente Amplio mostly abstained, PC voted against, and Gonzalo Winter switched from previous yes votes. Jaime Bassa (FA) tied support to progress in dialogue and social plans like Plan Buen Vivir, which Alvarado affirmed will continue alongside Plan Ercilla. From the right, Pier Karlezi (National Libertarian Party) and Gloria Naveillán (Libertarian) voiced frustration over similarities to Boric's decree—prorogued 66 times—voting yes only exceptionally. Barros outlined a gradual de-escalation, bolstering Carabineros and PDI to restore normalcy. President Kast will visit Temuco, Ercilla, and Victoria on Thursday.
