Independent Senator Iván Carter has labeled the absence of Public Security Minister Trinidad Steinert and Undersecretary Andrés Jouannet from a Senate Finance Committee session as an "unpardonable error."
The meeting, chaired by Senator Javier Macaya, collapsed after the Executive branch officials failed to appear before the legislative body.
Minister Steinert had previously notified Congress that she would be unable to attend, stating that Undersecretary Jouannet would attend in her stead. However, neither official showed up for the scheduled session.
Criticism of the Government's narrative
The Senator for Araucanía expressed his frustration directly to the committee's chair, noting that the lack of government representation in such a high-stakes session undermines the credibility of the administration's management.
"Our narrative is falling apart," the senator stated following the session's cancellation. He argued that the absence is particularly egregious given that the agenda included a review of the professional career tracks for Carabineros officers.
The lack of response from the Ministry of Public Security left critical issues regarding the police force without resolution. The absence of security officials in the Senate has added further tension to the relationship between the Legislative and Executive branches.
