The government of José Antonio Kast is facing a series of legal and administrative challenges this Monday following complaints filed with the Comptroller General of the Republic regarding a dinner held at La Moneda Palace and the publication of the extensive financial disclosure of Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas.
Government spokesperson Mara Sedini confirmed that the administration will provide all necessary documentation through official channels to clarify the event held last Friday, April 10. The gathering, where President Kast hosted former classmates from his law studies at Universidad Católica, was denounced by Socialist Party deputies Daniel Manouchehri and Daniella Cicardini.
The complaint seeks to determine whether public resources were used for this private event. According to Radio Bío Bío, the menu featured items such as tomato tartare, braised beef with rustic mashed potatoes, and red wine.
“The President can meet with whoever he wants in his personal life. What he cannot do is charge the State for a reunion with former classmates and use the presidential palace as a social hall,” argued Deputy Manouchehri.
Meanwhile, Senator Daniella Cicardini warned that using public funds for this purpose would constitute a serious offense. “Public resources are not meant to fund university nostalgia, especially when we are told there is no money. No one is questioning who the President meets with, but he cannot use La Moneda as if it were his backyard BBQ area,” the parliamentarian stated.
Regarding the matter, Sedini assured that the government will respond in a timely and appropriate manner. “We will respond in due course by providing all necessary information. We will use official channels to provide an answer. It is important to respond responsibly,” the minister noted.
Daniel Mas's Wealth Under Scrutiny
Alongside the controversy surrounding the dinner, Minister Daniel Mas's Statement of Assets and Interests (DPI) has drawn attention due to its 293-page length, making it the longest document submitted to the Comptroller's Office by the Kast cabinet.
The Secretary of State detailed a portfolio led by the investment firm Buca 2, which has a book value of 42,851 million pesos. In his declaration, Mas reported a securities management contract managed by Picton Administradora General de Fondos, valued at 8,858,258,800 pesos.
The official also reported stakes in more than 50 entities across the agricultural, financial, and real estate sectors, with total assets exceeding US$100 million. Notable assets include a 50% stake in Servicios Inmobiliarios Ecomac and a 50% stake in Servicios Financieros Concreces.
Minister Mas addressed the implications of his wealth by asserting his commitment to his role. “This is a disclosure that goes beyond what the law requires in these cases. I am completely detached from my business interests and fully committed to the mandate given to me by President Kast to lead the Ministries of Economy and Mining,” the official stated.
The declaration also reveals several companies with no assets or negative values, totaling -10,223 million pesos.
