Minister Ximena Rincón Insulted at Federico Santa María University

Chile’s Energy Minister Ximena Rincón faced verbal abuse during a university ceremony in Valparaíso on Thursday, April 16, 2026, when audience members shouted insults as she prepared to deliver her inaugural academic address at the Federico Santa María Technical University.

As Rincón approached the stage in the Teatro Aula Magna of the university’s Casa Central campus, attendees yelled phrases including “¡Migajera!” and “¡Renuncia, vieja…!” The incident was captured in the event’s official transmission and quickly circulated across Chilean media outlets.

In her response from the podium, Rincón acknowledged the remarks with composure, stating, “Una antigua compañera de partido hubiese dicho que la segunda parte no la iba a comentar, pero la primera era una ofensa, eso de ‘vieja’,” a comment that drew applause from portions of the audience.

The moderator intervened to call for order and respect following the outburst, though Rincón chose to address the remarks directly during her scheduled presentation on national energy policy and its academic challenges.

This incident follows a similar occurrence earlier in the week, when Science Minister Ximena Lincolao was reportedly assaulted during the academic year inauguration at the Austral University of Chile. Both events have raised concerns about the security and decorum surrounding official university ceremonies involving government officials.

University authorities have not issued additional statements regarding disciplinary actions or preventive measures for future events. The Ministry of Energy has not released further comment beyond the minister’s public remarks during the ceremony.