Representative Daniel Manouchehri (PS) and Senator Daniella Cicardini (PS) have filed a complaint with the Comptroller General of the Republic regarding a lunch hosted by President José Antonio Kast at La Moneda Palace. The event, held on April 10, brought together approximately 70 guests, including former classmates from the Universidad Católica law school.
According to reports fromEl Mercurio, the event was hosted by the President and his wife, María Pía Ariasola. The news outlet stated that the lunch was “paid for by the hosts.” However, off-the-record sources within the Palace claim that while the direct costs may have been private, it remains unclear whether public funds were used for services related to the event.
The menu served at the Government House included tomato tartare, red wine, rustic mashed potatoes, and braised beef. The parliamentary complaint questions the use of state infrastructure for social purposes.
Government Response
Government Spokesperson Mara Sedini declined to provide details regarding the source of the funds or the justification for the event during a press briefing this Monday. The minister stated that the Executive branch would respond to the allegations through official channels.
“As a government, we will respect all institutions, and that is why we will respond in a timely and proper manner, providing all the necessary information to address whatever is required or asked,” Sedini stated. When asked about public perception and the lack of fiscal resources, the minister reiterated the importance of responding “through official institutions.”
For his part, Representative Manouchehri criticized the use of the presidential headquarters for private events. “The President can meet with whoever he wants in his private life. What he cannot do is charge the State for a reunion with former classmates and use the Government House as a social hall,” the lawmaker argued.
The legislator also contrasted the event's expenses with recent austerity measures. “They said there was no money for the ‘gas tax hike,’ but today they have money for the President's celebrations. That is why we are filing a complaint with the Comptroller. La Moneda is not a private estate,” Manouchehri added.