The Renovación Nacional (RN) caucus of deputies has agreed to back the National Reconstruction Plan promoted by the José Antonio Kast administration, following a period of internal debate regarding the scope of the initiative. The announcement comes amid legislative uncertainty, as the Executive branch confirmed that the bill will not be submitted to Congress this Wednesday as originally scheduled.
According to reports from La Tercertia, RN lawmakers initially considered "splitting up" the bill due to the massive number of measures and policy areas it aims to cover. Deputy Ximena Ossandón stated that the caucus would push "until the text is partitioned," but the group ultimately decided to unite to facilitate the legislative process.
In a statement, the RN parliamentary group confirmed its decision: “to decisively support the bill that the government of President José Antonio Kast will introduce regarding economic, social, and tax matters, ensuring it is presented as a single project to be processed as expeditiously as possible.” The group added that “the project must serve as a turning point to restore economic growth and social development in Chile, with a special focus on supporting SMEs, the middle class, and vulnerable sectors.”
Pressures and Realignments in Cerro Castillo
Meanwhile, El Mostrador reported that the Government has decided to "hit the brakes" and postpone the introduction of the so-called “miscellaneous law.” The Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, José García Ruminot, admitted following a meeting with the PPD-Independents caucus that the bill's design is still under review, noting that a decision on its submission will be made “tonight, or tomorrow morning at the latest.”
The opposition has raised specific objections that are forcing the Executive to re-evaluate the package of more than 40 measures. The leader of the PPD caucus, Raúl Soto, requested that the bill be divided to prevent the debate from being derailed by tax issues, particularly following doubts regarding the reduction of the first-category tax and its fiscal impact. Soto also welcomed the possibility of withdrawing sensitive measures, such as the end of free university tuition for those over 30.
Negotiations will focus tonight on a political conclave at the Presidential Palace in Cerro Castillo, Viña del Mar. The meeting will include Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz, Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado, and García Ruminot. The goal is to unify positions in the face of pressure from sectors such as the UDI, whose Chamber President, Jorge Alessandri, has called for the inclusion of direct benefits for healthcare and education to balance the impact of the reform.
