The Chilean Chamber of Deputies approved a resolution on Wednesday condemning the Frente Amplio (FA) and the Communist Party (PC) for their public stance against Carabineros during the 2019 social unrest. The measure passed with 74 votes in favor and 50 against, drawing a sharp divide between the governing coalition and the opposition.
Proposed by the UDI caucus, the resolution calls on President José Antonio Kast to formally endorse the actions taken by the national police force during the violent protests of October 2019. It also demands that the President publicly denounce what it characterizes as the "irresponsible conduct" of leftist political parties.
A demand for accountability
The resolution argues that Carabineros fulfilled their constitutional duty to maintain public order and internal security. It claims that during the crisis, the FA and the PC launched a campaign of unfounded accusations to weaken the institution's legitimacy.
"The facts of violence registered in our country from October 18, 2019, constituted one of the most complex periods for public order," the text states. The document asserts that these parties promoted a narrative of institutional responsibility to undermine trust in the police force.
The approved measure specifically targets high-ranking officials who previously served in state administration, including President Gabriel Boric and cabinet minister Camila Vallejo. It accuses them of promoting a "refundación" (refounding) of the police force that allegedly compromised public safety.
The resolution concludes with a direct demand for the FA and the PC to issue a formal apology. It insists that these parties must "recognize the enormous damage they caused" and commit to supporting the role of Carabineros moving forward.
Deputy Sergio Bobadilla led the defense of the initiative on the floor. While the proposal received backing from all officialist benches and the National Libertarian Party, the PDG caucus chose to abstain from the vote. The opposition voted against the measure almost entirely, marking a tense session in the lower house.
