Chilean President Boric announces third cabinet reshuffle

Chilean government spokesperson, Camila Vallejo, confirmed on Wednesday that President Gabriel Boric is set to implement his third cabinet reshuffle.

Vallejo did not disclose which departments would be affected.

“The president will make changes. I cannot specify which ones or their nature, but we can confirm they will happen today,” stated Vallejo, addressing weeks of rumors and opposition pressures.

Vallejo mentioned the reshuffle aims to address “public demands” and the “government’s agenda,” emphasizing its importance in best executing the government’s programs and commitments to the Chilean people.

This announcement follows the recent resignation of Giorgio Jackson, the Minister of Social Development, seen as Boric’s close confidant.

Recently, Jackson faced allegations regarding illicit grants to private foundations.

Jackson’s departure represents a significant setback for Boric, as the two share a deep bond dating back to student-led protests in 2011 and co-founding the Broad Front political coalition.

The right and far-right opposition had made Jackson’s departure a condition for discussing two critical reforms on taxes and pensions.

Still, they later stated that this action was “not enough.”

This marks the third ministerial adjustment since Boric assumed office. The first followed a plebiscite in September, where over 62% of Chileans voted against a progressive new constitution supported by the government.

The second occurred on March 10th, just before Boric’s first year in office, witnessing Antonia Urrejola’s departure as Foreign Minister and Alberto van Klaveren’s appointment.

Both reshuffles saw the Democratic Socialism block, formed by traditional center-left parties that governed Chile’s post-military regime (1973-1990), gaining strength over the left-leaning “Approve Dignity” coalition (Comprising the Communist Party and Broad Front).