Budget Proposal and Initial Reactions

chilean President Gabriel ‍Boric submitted ⁣the 2026 budget project to Congress,⁤ prioritizing funding for Safety,⁢ health, pensions, and housing. Republican leader José Antonio ‍Kast‍ instantly responded⁣ with strong criticism.

Kast’s reaction followed a statement by President Boric alluding to potential extreme‍ cuts proposed by the opposition. Kast ⁣addressed ‍the President directly via his‍ X (formerly Twitter) ⁢account.

Kast’s Proposed Cuts and Accusations

José Antonio Kast stated his intention to cut $6 billion USD in political ‍spending without impacting social benefits⁤ like the PGU (Universal‍ Guaranteed Pension). ‍He further asserted, “We are going‍ to leave for all the ⁢corrupt officials ⁣that you took⁢ to the government‍ and that in these four years the silver of the poorest have been ⁣stolen.”

Boric Defends Budget, warns Against Irresponsible Cuts

President Boric defended his proposal, arguing that Chile doesn’t have to⁤ choose between fiscal responsibility and social⁢ welfare. He emphasized the possibility of balancing public debt management with pension increases.

Boric questioned the ⁤feasibility ⁤of proposed $6 billion ⁢USD cuts ⁣without ⁣specifying where savings would be found, suggesting such cuts would inevitably affect social ⁣benefits like the PGU. He ⁢characterized proposals lacking detail as “irresponsible and undesirable.”

Legislative Process and Campaign Context

The submission of the 2026 budget to Congress initiates a legislative review process involving committees and the chamber of Deputies. This ⁤process is expected to ⁤unfold alongside the⁤ upcoming presidential campaign.