The administration of José Antonio Kast has decided to postpone the introduction of its national reconstruction bill, originally scheduled for this Wednesday, following a meeting with opposition lawmakers. José García Ruminot, Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, announced that the initiative will not reach the Chamber of Deputies as planned.
The decision follows a meeting between the Executive branch and the PPD-Independents parliamentary committee, which included the participation of Education Minister María Paz Arzola. According to reports from La Tercera, the Government aims to finalize the future of the proposal between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Friction Over Legislative Strategy
The primary point of contention lies in the bill's structure, which bundles various disparate issues into a single initiative. Minister García Ruminot detailed that lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the reduction of the first-category tax and its potential economic impact. The General Secretary noted that the opposition bloc has committed to submitting a written document with proposals for the Ministry of Finance to review.
The strategy of concentrating multiple reforms into a single package has drawn criticism from various sectors. Independent Senator Karim Bianchi questioned the decision to present a law that encompasses taxes, security, and reconstruction. Speaking to La Tercera, Bianchi stated: “When something is called a 'tutti frutti,' it’s already (...) starting off on the wrong foot.”
Bianchi, who could serve as a swing vote in Congress, argued that 'omnibus' bills are a poor way to legislate, suggesting that high-impact measures, such as tax changes, should be handled separately. He also expressed interest in learning whether the corporate tax cut will include concrete benefits for SMEs and the middle class.
Support from Renovación Nacional
Despite doubts regarding the bill's format, the Renovación Nacional (RN) parliamentary group expressed support for the bill's substance. According to BioBioChile, the party has agreed to support the project in a unified manner to ensure its processing is as expedited as possible.
The RN caucus is pushing for the initiative to include improvements regarding school violence, proposing amendments that would facilitate measures such as backpack checks and the restriction of student benefits for those convicted of violent crimes. The party's statement maintains that this bill should serve as a turning point for Chile's economic growth and social development.
The Executive branch remains focused on securing rapid approval. Minister García Ruminot explained that the goal is to have the bill passed by early September so it can be included in the 2027 Budget Law. However, concerns regarding the complexity of the text persist, as the Minister himself admitted that the Government is wary of submitting an initiative covering so many different matters given the limited timeframe.
