Congressman Álvaro Ortiz was elected this Sunday as the new president of the Christian Democratic Party (DC) after receiving overwhelming support in the party's internal elections. His ticket secured 64.4% of the vote, emerging as the clear winner in a process that mobilized members across 260 polling stations nationwide.
The lawmaker, who currently serves as head of the DC parliamentary caucus, received a total of 3,785 votes. As reported by Emol, this victory secures his leadership of the party for the 2026-2028 term, during which he will be joined by Alejandra Krauss on the executive board.
A new cycle and political priorities
The election concluded a race that featured four competing lists. In addition to the ticket led by Ortiz, candidates Humberto Salas, Ana María Luksic, and Jorge Díaz also ran. Following his victory, Ortiz clarified in an interview with Cooperativa that his administration does not represent a continuation of previous factions: "We are not a continuation of anything. We want to, we have to, and we must rebuild a party looking toward the future, where the logic of trenches and internal cliques can no longer continue," the newly elected leader stated.
Regarding the party's stance toward the administration of President José Antonio Kast, Ortiz emphasized that while they are not part of the current government, they will maintain a position of constructive dialogue. "We are a party that did not support President Kast's government, but we are very clear that our duty is to support and back good ideas and initiatives," he explained to Cooperativa.
However, the new president has already drawn his first "red lines." As reported by Cooperativa, Ortiz criticized the Miscellaneous Law and the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 27% to 23%, arguing that it would benefit only a minority. He also described the palliative measures taken in response to rising fuel prices as "insufficient."
Ortiz's political career has been defined by a strong presence in the Biobío Region. Before reaching Congress as a deputy for District 20, he served as mayor of Concepción for three consecutive terms, from 2012 to 2024. His career in public service began years earlier, serving as a city councilor for the same municipality from 2004 to 2012.
With this victory, the congressman takes on the challenge of leading a Christian Democratic Party that is seeking to define its political direction in a complex electoral landscape, marked by the formation of alliances and strategy ahead of the country's upcoming democratic processes.
