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In the last few weeks, the Chilean right has been going through a period of deep inner loyalty, as evidenced by a series of events that have shaken the credibility of its leaders and their ability to act wisely. The recent scandal about the salary of Marcela Cubillos in the University of San Sebastian has done nothing more than expose, once again, the fractures and contradictions within the right-wing parties, ranging from Chile Let’s go to the Republican Party.
Marcela Cubillos, a former minister and an important figure in national politics, was made public when her salary as an academic at the University of San Sebastián was revealed. At first, Evelyn MatthewChilean presidential candidate Vamos and mayor of Providencia, apparently defending Cubillos. However, his confusing statements quickly raised controversy: while some interpreted that he supported Cubillos, in other situations Matthi took a step back, reversing himself and raising doubts about his position. This difference not only showed a lack of coherence in the leader of Chile Vamos, but also a sign that, at least in this case, the right does not show a single voice , but complex and contradictory ones.
The Republican Party, which has tried to position itself as a cohesive conservative force with a clear, warm attitude against the scandal, remained. Jose Antonio Cast, the undoubted leader of this political group, chose not to make strong statements on the subject. His lack of intervention in a matter of high public visibility and his distance from the figure of Cubillos shows that the party is not willing to get involved in controversies that could damage its image, especially when polls are already showing signs of a significant decline in popularity. from Kast.
In addition to this situation there is a decision of the Gloria Huttpresident Hebto give freedom of action to the terrorists of his party in the society of the The Accountswhich, practically, meant removing support from Cubillos in his bid for that association. This move caused a strong internal conflict on the right. In response, National Renewal (RN) decided not to support Camila Merino in Vitacura, showing the tension and political revenge that emerges from internal strife. This RN move is not an isolated incident. Vitacura, a symbolic association for RN, had already been at the center of a corruption scandal involving its former mayor Raul Torrealbafurther damaging the image of the party.
The conflict in Vitacura reached unusual levels when RN decided those who were not prepared to support Merino’s appeal to the Supreme Court. This device shows the party’s desperation to maintain an appearance of internal unity, although in practice it only shows the divisions and disconnection between its members. It is interesting to see how the right, historically characterized by its discipline and coherence, is now reeling against internal power struggles and public contradictions.
It does not matter to point out another sign of unnecessary uncertainty: the publication of a constitutional complaint by the Republican Party against the Minister of the Interior, Carolina Tohain matters of public safety. The goal seemed clear: to position the party as the main defender of citizens’ security. However, the strategy was ineffective, since this same group has been criticizing the security policies of former president Sebastián Piñera, who showed a lack of consistency in his approach. The charge did not find strong support within the same block of the right, showing a disconnection between the parties that should support the initiative.
As if that wasn’t enough, Renovación Nacional wanted to launch its own constitutional lawsuit, this time against the president Gabriel Boric. In another episode that shows internal disorganization, the bench of RN representatives went ahead with this initiative without even knowing Rodrigo Galilethe president of the party. This fact not only shows a lack of coordination, but it also shows that Galilea is a leader without real control over the decisions of his own agents, which is very difficult to manage. inside.
In contrast to this series of mistakes, the ruling party and the left appear to be navigating a period of greater order and cohesion. Although the current administration faces significant challenges, public opinion suggests that they are in a better position in terms of internal coordination. According to the latest study at Center for Public Studies (CEP)of the eight best political figures evaluated, only two belong to the right: Evelyn Mattei and Rodolfo Carter. The fall of José Antonio Kast in this same survey is a reflection of how the confusion and lack of strategy in his party is eroding his image in front of the voters.
Kast’s leadership, which was once presented as a strong alternative to the mistakes of Sebastián Piñera’s government and the left, seems to have lost strength at a crucial time to reconcile the political scene. Signs of disorder in his party, along with a failure to provide clear answers on key issues such as security, are undermining his popularity. What was once seen as a bastion of ideological coherence now looks more like a place of awkward silence and lack of direction.
To end this column, the south of Chile is facing a deep dilemma: while they are trying to project an image of strength and unity, the facts show the opposite. The conflicts between the Chile Vamos parties, the political revenge in key communities and the widespread constitutional accusations show a weak right, disconnected from its base and without a clear leadership. At the same time, the ruling party continues, taking advantage of this disorganization to consolidate its position and take advantage of the discontent of the citizens.
Fabian Bustamante Olguin.
Academic at the Institute of Religious and Philosophical Sciences, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo
