President José Antonio Kast hosted a social lunch for former university classmates at La Moneda Palace last weekend, sparking a wave of criticism regarding his administration's communications strategy and the use of the Government House. Although the Executive branch maintains that the event was personally funded by the President, opposition lawmakers have filed a complaint with the Comptroller General, seeking clarity on the use of public spaces.
Senator Manuel José Ossandón of the National Renewal party described the event as a political communications blunder. In an interview with CNN Chile Radio, the lawmaker argued that while the event's cost was not the primary issue, the symbolism is difficult to justify given the administration's focus on austerity and fiscal responsibility.
“It is a glaring error. One must be careful about the message being sent,” Ossandón stated. The senator compared the situation to the administration of former President Gabriel Boric, noting that the current government risks falling into similar inconsistencies. “I can assure you this lunch cost less than one month's rent for President Gabriel Boric's house. I'm not trying to even the score; I am simply saying that one must be very careful with political communication so that, in an attempt to look good or gain something, one doesn't overstate the significance of an event,” he added.
For Ossandón, these lapses in presentation make it harder to defend fundamental reforms, such as the national reconstruction project which includes tax cuts for large corporations. The lawmaker called the measure “brave” but admitted that the current political climate makes legislative debate more difficult.
Analysis of the presidential administration
Meanwhile, TV host José Antonio Neme launched a scathing critique during the programMucho Gustoon Mega, labeling the event as a display of “amateurism.” Neme questioned the appropriateness of using the Government Palace for private social purposes.
“Personally, I find it unpresentable. I think it's foolish, but at a level of amateurism—meaning, we have gone from the amateurism of the Broad Front to the amateurism of these Republicans,” Neme asserted. The journalist noted that, regardless of how it was funded, the President should have chosen a private venue, such as his home in Paine.
“Who would think to invite their university classmates to La Moneda?” the host added. Neme compared the situation to his own professional experience, suggesting that inviting former classmates to the studio cafeteria of his network would be unacceptable to the company's owners. “This isn't a destructive critique; it's constructive criticism intended to help the government correct its course,” he concluded.
In contrast, former minister Francisco Vidal defended the gathering. Speaking to Radio Infinita, the former government spokesperson downplayed the controversy, recounting a similar experience from his own time in office.
“So what if the President invites his classmates? It's part of life,” Vidal remarked. The former Secretary of State recalled that during Michelle Bachelet's second term, he himself had invited his military reserve class to lunch at La Moneda. “I know there are restrictions. I know that—when there were no restrictions—when I was appointed to Bachelet's second administration and returned to La Moneda, I invited my military reserve class to lunch,” he concluded.
