Chile's Christian Democratic Party (DC) national board announced it will proceed with the normal renewal of its leadership, despite the recent resignations of president Francisco Huenchumilla and vice presidents María Elena Villagrán and Ana María Hernández. These departures have left five of nine positions vacant, triggering party statutes for a full overhaul. Elections are set for March, with the new board taking office on April 1.
Chile's Christian Democratic Party (DC) is grappling with a crisis in its national leadership following a series of resignations that have destabilized its structure. On Sunday, January 11, Senator Francisco Huenchumilla stepped down as president, followed by vice presidents María Elena Villagrán and Ana María Hernández on Tuesday, January 13. These exits add to earlier departures by Alberto Undurraga, who resigned in late July 2025 over disagreements on Jeannette Jara's presidential candidacy, and Gianni Rivera.
With five of nine positions vacant, the party's statutes mandate a full board renewal within 30 days. Óscar Ramírez took over as interim president and issued a public statement: “The leaders of the national board will remain in their positions out of political responsibility and love for the DC. We have proceeded to call elections to renew the national board.”
The board reaffirmed its commitment to the process: “To fulfill the renewal of the party structure (...) we will continue implementing the elections for the next National Board, guaranteeing internal processes according to the party statutes.” They also noted a “broad consensus” for dialogue to address “the new challenges posed by today's society.”
On January 11, the party had already elected new communal and regional boards. Yet, the resignations have drawn criticism. National councilor Nicolás Preuss urged: “I invite the remaining members of the national board to put their positions at disposal, to resign, and for us to resolve the current situation with new elections.” Senator Iván Flores called it a “mess” forcing improvisation for a two-month interim board, appealing for unity and setting aside internal factions.
DC deputy bloc leader Héctor Barría downplayed the drama: “These resignations coincide with the natural process to renew the board. I take the drama out of this situation; we have a more vibrant party than ever.” The remaining members will hold their posts until April 1, when the new board assumes after March elections.
