Congresswoman Karol Cariola resigned as Chilean Lower House Speaker during maternity leave after private messages criticizing President Gabriel Boric were leaked. She faces investigations for alleged influence peddling and condemned the police raid on her home as a violation of rights. The ongoing scandal has strained relations within Boric’s coalition and sparked further inquiries into related issues.
Chilean Congresswoman Karol Cariola has resigned from her position as Speaker of the Lower House while on maternity leave, following the leak of private messages in which she openly criticized President Gabriel Boric Font. She is currently under investigation for alleged influence peddling related to requests made to former Santiago Mayor Irací Hassler on behalf of a Chinese businessman. Cariola’s leaked comments included strong language about Boric and the government’s performance.
In a statement, Cariola expressed her need for “tranquility and concentration” to care for her child. She emphasized that she must defend herself against ongoing attacks, as her son requires a strong mother. She asserted that her role as president of the Chile-China friendship group was focused solely on seeking guidance, and she denied any wrongdoing related to the investigations against her.
The leaked texts were published by La Tercera, revealing contentious discussions between Cariola and Hassler. The situation escalated when police raided Cariola’s home to seize devices as part of the investigation, a move she described as a violation of her and her newborn’s rights. This scandal has led to increased tension within Boric’s coalition, particularly as Cariola and Hassler criticized high-profile members of the administration.
The Prosecutor’s Office began investigating Hassler’s attempt to purchase an exclusive building for a municipal clinic, examining allegations of overcharging. Following this probe, controversial messages were discovered on Hassler’s phone, leading her to abandon the project and pursue legal action against the appraisers involved. Recently, Chief Prosecutor Ángel Valencia reassigned the case to Claudia Perivancich after removing prosecutor Patricio Cooper.
Hassler has also filed a criminal complaint regarding the leaked conversations, claiming a breach of secrecy and labeling the leaks as part of a “political operation.”
In conclusion, the resignation of Karol Cariola as Speaker of the Chilean Lower House underscores significant political turmoil within President Gabriel Boric’s coalition. The leaked private messages, coupled with ongoing investigations into influence peddling and the handling of sensitive information, have raised questions about governance and transparency. Both Cariola and Hassler’s claims further highlight the complex dynamics at play in Chile’s political landscape.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
