Republican Party Deputy José Antonio Kast Adriasola, son of President José Antonio Kast, responded on Radio Agricultura to Evelyn Matthei's criticism of the cabinet. He also suggested that the former mayor of Providencia wants to "jump on the presidential bandwagon".
According to La Tercera, Matthei, a former Chile Vamos candidate, said she would also consider running for La Moneda again in the future. CNN Chile added that the former minister completely ruled out joining the cabinet and stated on Radio Bío Bío that "there are sort of first-tier ministers and second-tier ministers".
"Thank you very much, we've taken note," the lawmaker said sarcastically. He then rejected the underlying assessment. "Every minister here is an expert in their field. Those who came in know a great deal," he maintained. He added that media exposure "ends up mattering very little, because they are doing the work".
As an example, the deputy highlighted Health Minister May Chomali's work on cancer care waiting lists and the efficient use of resources. "We haven't even been in government for seven months, and we are already changing people's lives," he said.
The tone sharpened when he connected Matthei's remarks to former President Michelle Bachelet, who did not rule out a third presidential run. "I understand that she gets anxious seeing her former rival announcing her presidential candidacy, so she wants to jump on the bandwagon," he said.
The reference has a history. Matthei and Bachelet faced each other in the 2013 runoff, which the socialist won. In the most recent presidential election, Matthei finished fifth, far behind the victorious elder Kast.
The exchange reveals tension between Republicans and Chile Vamos, the traditional right-wing coalition that failed to get its candidate into La Moneda. For Kast Adriasola, the priority lies elsewhere. "Keep your feet on the ground. Stay calm, keep focused and do the work", he concluded. Neither Matthei nor Bachelet has formally declared a candidacy for the next election so far.
