During the second cabinet meeting, President José Antonio Kast urged political parties to approve the “Protected Schools” bill without applying double standards. The President called for a unified approach to the acts of violence that have characterized his administration.
“We cannot allow these acts to be downplaying (…) there is a minority that does not understand,” the Head of State told his cabinet. Kast cited specific instances of violence to justify the urgency of the measure.
The President recalled the murder of Carabineros Sergeant Javier Figueroa Manquemilla in Puerto Varas on March 11. He also mentioned the homicide of school inspector María Victoria Reyes, who was the victim of a student attack on March 27.
Additionally, the President referred to the assault on Science Minister Ximena Lincolao by students at Austral University in Valdivia.
Tensions over bag checks and tuition waivers
Kast addressed opposition criticism regarding backpack searches and the limitation of free tuition within the bill. The President maintained that the policy must align with public demand.
“I believe no one should be afraid when acting with truth, legitimacy, and transparency,” the President stated. Regarding the debate over backpack checks, he asserted that the public supports measures that ensure safety for children.
Education Minister María Paz Arzola backed the President's stance, warning that educational communities currently face significant risks. “Today, the right to education is under threat due to security issues,” the official noted.
Meanwhile, the UDI parliamentary group proposed expanding restrictions to higher education institutions. Representative Sergio Bobadilla, Chair of the Education Committee, noted that the Government could introduce an amendment to prohibit state benefits for students sanctioned for acts of violence.
In contrast, Representative Emilia Schneider (FA) criticized the lack of technical evidence behind the initiative. “We must do this with technical backing, looking at comparative experiences, and striving for sound public policy rather than just good headlines,” the lawmaker stated.
The Government expects the bill's processing to conclude today in the Education Committee, with a vote scheduled for tomorrow in the Chamber of Deputies.