The opposition in Chile's Special Mixed Budget Commission rejected nearly all 2026 budget items on Wednesday, in an unprecedented move to force negotiations with the government. The rejection impacts key funding for ministries including Health, Education, and Housing, drawing criticism from officialists who call it election-driven. Discussions will resume in November after elections.
In Chile's Special Mixed Budget Commission, the opposition voted en bloc on Wednesday, rejecting 24 budget items for 2026 with 11 votes against and 9 in favor. These included funding for the ministries of Transport, Health, Labor, Women and Gender Equity, Agriculture, Sports, Culture, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Environment, Energy, Finance, Mining, Education, Social Development, Interior, Defense, Public Security, Public Works, Economy, Housing, Regional Governments, and Public Treasury. Added to the five rejected on Tuesday—Comptroller General of the Republic, General Secretariat of Government, Science, and Presidency—they total 29 items and the bill's articles.
The opposition cited a lack of clarity in the executive's fiscal figures and overestimated revenues, demanding cuts to control state debt. UDI deputy Felipe Donoso criticized: “the government has not transparentized the fiscal figures.” Senator Ximena Rincón (Democrats) added: “We don't believe the government on its revenue estimates.” Senator Rodrigo Galilea (RN) stated: “the government has not presented sufficient information to advance responsibly.” Republican deputy Agustín Romero proposed a US$2,000 million cut, dismissed by Finance Minister Nicolás Grau, who warned: “making a big cut today in the Budget would mean reducing social spending.”
Grau accused the opposition of a “political decision, probably with electoral motivation, to reject everything,” lamenting it deceives the country by not seeking agreements as in pensions or minimum wage. The PS senators' bloc expressed “deep concern” over the massive rejection, impacting “fundamental areas like health, labor, and social development,” and labeled it an “electoral political point” obstructing progress, using excuses like “lack of information” to delay processing and risk public services. “The national budget discussion cannot become an ideological battleground,” they affirmed.
Items for the National Congress, Ministry of National Assets, Electoral Service, and Judiciary were approved, though spending on personnel and goods for the latter was rejected. Proceedings will continue on November 17 in the Chamber of Deputies plenary, after presidential and parliamentary elections.