The review commission rejected with three votes against, one abstention and one in favor the constitutional accusation filed against former Finance Minister Nicolás Grau. The panel recommended a negative report to the Chamber floor, which will vote Tuesday starting at 10 a.m.
Commission members explained their decision after hearing presentations from both sides. Chair Marcela Hernando said she voted against because “what is being done is a judgment on projections” and the Autonomous Fiscal Council found no arithmetic discrepancies. Deputy Alejandro Bernales stated that “seriousness prevailed here” and that the Budget Director ruled out intent or bad faith.
Deputy Joanna Pérez abstained and criticized the mechanism’s use as political revenge. Republican Luis Sánchez cast the sole vote in favor and questioned normalizing the “embellishment” of figures. Former Finance Ministers Andrés Velasco and Manuel Marfán testified before the panel and called the accusation “frivolous” and part of “bad political practices.”
The Christian Democracy caucus announced it will vote against due to lack of merit. Several Renovación Nacional deputies also signaled rejection. The accusation, driven by Republicans and libertarians with support from other parties, alleges errors in fiscal projections.
