Government Spokesperson Mara Sedini stated on Monday that the lunch held last Friday at La Moniente Palace—attended by President José Antonio Kast and over 50 former classmates from Universidad Católica—did not incur any cost to the national treasury.
"I can assure you that the lunch was personally funded by the President," Sedini said from Congress.
The Executive's clarification follows a formal request filed with the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) by Socialist deputies Daniel Manouchehri and Daniella Cicardini. The complaint seeks to clarify the use of government facilities and staff, as well as any potential reimbursements related to the event.
The gathering took place in the palace's O'Higgins Room. Attendees were served menus printed with the official government seal, a detail that has fueled speculation regarding the nature of the event.
Regarding this point, Sedini declined to elaborate on the use of palace staff or services, noting that "further details will be provided through official channels to the Comptroller General."
Criticism over use of official residence
Franco Parisi, leader of the People's Party (PDG), criticized the timing of the event amid economic hardship. "We don't have the luxury of indulging in such treats," the former presidential candidate remarked during an interview on Radio Futuro'sPalabras Sacan Palabrasprogram.
Parisi suggested the meeting could have taken place outside of government headquarters. "The atmosphere is far too sensitive for hosting social lunches. I am sure some of the President's former classmates could have invited him to their homes," the politician added.
Along the same lines, Parisi emphasized the need for financial prudence: "It is better to avoid trouble. If there is no money, there is no money for anyone."
From the ruling coalition, Deputy Guillermo Ramírez, a leader of the UDI, defended the legitimacy of the event, citing the use of the presidential residence. "If the President paid for it out of his own pocket, I have no problem with it. If not, then I believe it is inappropriate. The President lives in La Monera, and therefore, anything he does in a personal capacity will take place here. This is his home," Ramírez stated.
The situation has also brought the ethical boundaries of public office into focus. According to reports from BioBioChile, debates in opinion programs such asCausa y Efectohave questioned the line between state functions and private activities within official residences.
This controversy comes as the Kast administration prepares for its first major legislative battle. The Executive plans to introduce the "National Reconstruction" plan to Congress—a 45-measure initiative led by Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz—which is already facing opposition resistance due to its wide-ranging nature.
