The National Libertarian Party questioned José Antonio Kast's government's decision this Wednesday not to participate in any event marking seven years since the social uprising. The criticism targets La Moneda just days before October 18.
According to Cooperativa, the party believes the executive branch's stance weakens the support it expected for law enforcement and security forces. The party is chaired by Deputy and former presidential candidate Johannes Kaiser.
The libertarians wanted the government to lead an official tribute to police officers convicted of acts committed during the October 2019 protests. The executive branch did not accept that proposal.
The party is also maintaining its push for a general pardon for uniformed personnel. However, the government has already ruled out that option.
Senator Vanessa Kaiser, the party leader's sister, led the criticism. "It is unbelievable that José Antonio Kast's government is not holding any official event this coming October 18," she said. She added that this is "the first anniversary of the October coup under this government" and that the signals should therefore be "absolutely clear."
The senator maintained that "Chile will not accept and is in no position to tolerate any further attempt to undermine democracy or the institutional order." She also charged that "there are sectors willing to turn our country into a damned hell." "Those sectors must be sent a clear signal, and that is why holding an event was so important," she stressed.
The libertarians' complaint contrasts with the strategy of the rest of the governing coalition. The coalition's other parties chose to organize their own activities without waiting for executive branch sponsorship.
The Republican Party, Kast's party, is planning a community event. The Independent Democratic Union (UDI) will hold a discussion. National Renewal (RN) will run a digital campaign with the slogan "Never let it happen again".
The source does not specify the reasons La Moneda gave for not commemorating the date. The governing parties' activities will be concentrated around Saturday, October 18, while the libertarians continue to insist on putting pardons and recognition for police at the center of the debate.
