Alejandro Irarrázaval, head of La Moneda's Segundo Piso, lunched on Thursday with Senate President Paulina Núñez to address the conflict with Housing Minister Iván Poduje. The meeting aimed to contain damage after Poduje dismissed two RN militants. Later, Irarrázaval met with Republican Party deputies.
The dispute began on Tuesday when Senate President Paulina Núñez questioned Housing Minister Iván Poduje's attitude after he called the Wetlands law promoted by Socialist Senator Alfonso de Urresti a “madness”. Núñez stated: “As Senate President, I have personally concerned myself with maintaining decorum, as relevant as the substance of the issues (...). I respect democratic debate and the role of State powers”.
Poduje replied: “As Housing Minister, I must concern myself with families without homes, Senator. That includes those who have waited years due to a very bad wetlands law”. Núñez responded on X: “As important as housing for needy families is good coexistence in the country, starting with authorities. These are the things that sometimes stall projects and laws”.
On Wednesday, Poduje dismissed RN militants Carlos Campos and Marcela Díaz, close to Núñez, citing trust issues. The government instructed their rehire, and President José Antonio Kast committed to resolving it, referring it to Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado.
On Thursday at 14:00, Núñez met Irarrázaval at La Moneda Palace. According to attendees, Irarrázaval conveyed Poduje erred and hoped the conflict would not escalate. At 18:00, Irarrázaval met Republican deputies Luis Sánchez and Cristián Araya over a prior dispute with Arturo Squella on leaks.
