Gabriel Boric's government included provisions in the public sector readjustment bill restricting civil servant dismissals, drawing criticism from president-elect José Antonio Kast's team, who call them a breach of trust. Arturo Squella, Republican Party president, warned that these measures undermine relations between administrations. The executive defends them as formalizing existing rules.
The public sector readjustment bill agreed by Gabriel Boric's government with most unions includes a 3.4% salary increase in two stages: 2% from December 2025 and 1.4% from June 2026, with no real increase given inflation. However, the protocol's end adds provisions limiting non-renewal of contracts or changes in terms for subsecretaries, public services, presidential delegations, state universities, and municipalities, requiring justified administrative acts based on objective criteria.
Civil servants with at least two continuous years can claim legality flaws before the Comptroller General, unless pursuing judicial action. It also regulates advisory staff in high officials' cabinets, setting dismissal causes and transparency mechanisms.
Kast's team reacted strongly. Arturo Squella stated that 'that article breaks or puts at risk the trusts so important at this stage' and called the norm 'impresentable' for attempting to lock in hires. He added that if the government persists, 'nothing could be built' after March 11. Republican deputy Agustín Romero labeled it a 'fraud' rigidifying administration to keep 'the State infiltrated with its political operators'.
UDI deputies announced rejection, arguing it seeks to secure politically linked officials' permanence. The Labor Ministry explained it 'does not change current rules: it formalizes in law what has been discussed or incorporated through ministerial instructions, Comptroller rulings, and court decisions'. Anef's José Pérez defended it as addressing historical demands for job stability.
Parallel criticisms arose over funding: the readjustment costs US$1.5 billion, but only US$600 million is budgeted, per deputies like Frank Sauerbaum (RN). Finance Minister Nicolás Grau assured it will be funded.
These frictions add to exchanges on women's rights, where Minister Antonia Orellana criticized the Republican Party and the First Lady's return, responded to by Squella urging outgoing ministers to watch their statements.
