Ximena Ossandón, second vice president of the Chamber of Deputies, confirmed on Tuesday that her party, National Renewal (RN), will continue to push for the government’s reconstruction reform to be presented in separate parts. The legislator rejected the executive's current strategy, which favors a single, comprehensive "mega-reform" bill.
"We will insist until the end that this initiative be processed in a segmented manner," Ossandón said. She dismissed claims of internal "friendly fire" within RN, asserting that her position reflects a strategic disagreement rather than an internal party conflict.
Policy disagreements on taxes and education
Beyond the reconstruction reform, the deputy clarified her stance on two other contentious issues: property tax exemptions for the elderly and education policy.
Ossandón reiterated her support for tax relief for senior citizens, a position that has put her at odds with members of her own coalition. She argued that the current tax burden on the elderly is unsustainable.
She also addressed the debate surrounding the government's proposal to revoke free education benefits for minors who commit crimes or misdemeanors. Ossandón stated she remains firmly opposed to this measure.
"I do not support stripping minors of their right to free education as a punitive measure," she stated. She emphasized that the education system should remain distinct from the criminal justice system.
The deputy’s comments come during a period of political realignment for other parties as well. Recently, Álvaro Ortiz assumed leadership of the Christian Democratic Party (DC), signaling a shift in the party’s legislative priorities.
As the Chamber prepares for the upcoming legislative session, these disagreements highlight broader tensions between the executive branch and opposition members. Ossandón’s insistence on a parcelled approach to the reconstruction bill suggests that the government faces a difficult path to secure the necessary support for its current proposal.
