Gustavo Alessandri, president of the Chilean Association of Municipalities (AChM), disclosed irregularities from the previous administration under Carolina Leitao, including lack of internal controls and resource abuse by some directors. He announced consideration of legal actions through labor, penal, and administrative channels but clarified he is not targeting Leitao personally. The organization has 60 days to respond to Contraloría observations.
Gustavo Alessandri (Ind.-RN), president of the Chilean Association of Municipalities (AChM) after defeating the left in the guild election, has visited nearly 100 of the country's 346 communes. His management focuses on probing fund usage during Carolina Leitao's prior administration, supported by an external audit and the Contraloría.
The gravest irregularities include lack of internal control and oversight, plus resource abuse by certain directors, some of whom were dismissed or must account for their actions. Alessandri stated: “I am not going against a mayor, but against the directors.” The defrauded amount remains under calculation as they render accounts for 2023 and 2024 projects.
The AChM is weighing lawsuits via penal, labor, and administrative routes under a “whoever falls” principle, prioritizing municipalities. Alessandri discussed the matter with Leitao, acknowledging her period's advances, but stresses entity transparency. It impacts credibility, though he argues municipalism transcends these issues.
Meanwhile, he faces pushback from progressive mayors like Tomás Vodanovic (Maipú), Claudio Castro (Renca), and Karina Delfino (Quinta Normal), seeking greater sway. Alessandri defends his democratic election and calls for unity against inequality and crime.
