In a context marked by criticism of the Communist Party (PC) led by Lautaro Carmona, President Gabriel Boric has come out in defense of the group, denouncing a “visceral anti-communism” on the part of some political sectors in Chile.
In a statement issued this Saturday, Boric highlighted the democratic and social commitment of the Chilean PC, stating: “The visceral anti-communism of some political sectors and their related media in our country is too evident. I don’t know another party that receives so many ad hominem attacks and lies. “I, at least, have no doubt about the democratic and social commitment of the Chilean PC.”
These words from the president arise in the midst of criticism directed towards the PC from the opposition, especially in relation to the case of former Venezuelan military officer Ronald Ojeda, who was kidnapped. Opposition leaders recently met with government ministers to address this case, also expressing their reservations towards an advisor to the Ministry of the Interior, Juan Andrés Lagos, who belongs to the PC and questioned the diplomatic implications of linking the kidnapping with the Maduro government in Venezuela.
Given these criticisms, the president of the Republican Party, Arturo Squella, expressed concern about the presence of members of the PC and close collaborators of the Maduro government who would have access to sensitive information. However, Lautaro Carmona, leader of the PC, rejected these accusations, describing them as authoritarian and loaded with anti-communist prejudices.
Carmona highlighted the ethics and values of the PC, pointing out that they have always acted in coherence with them, putting their best capabilities at the service of just and democratic causes. Furthermore, he criticized any attempt to take political advantage of the Ronald Ojeda kidnapping situation.
After confirmation of the discovery of Ojeda’s body, Carmona questioned the position of the political right, suggesting that the campaign against the communists could have influenced the handling of the case.
At a time when political tensions are red hot, Boric’s defense of the PC and Carmona’s responses highlight the polarization that still persists in the Chilean political landscape, as well as the importance of a constructive and respectful democratic debate.
