Chile’s Interior Minister Resigns, Fueling Speculation of Presidential Run

Carolina Toha, Chile’s Interior Minister, resigned on Tuesday outside the presidential palace in Santiago, sparking speculation about her potential candidacy in this year’s presidential elections.

While Toha did not disclose the reasons behind her departure, local newspaper *La Tercera* reported that she plans to run for president. “This decision has not been easy,” Toha stated. “It is timely to thank the president for the trust he placed in me to fulfill this role.”

Chile’s center-left parties have delayed naming candidates for the upcoming elections, giving opposition contenders a lead in preliminary polls. Current President Gabriel Boric cannot seek reelection due to constitutional limits, and his administration has struggled with low approval ratings.

Amid this political uncertainty, speculation has grown about former President Michelle Bachelet considering a third term, despite her earlier denials. Later on Tuesday, President Boric wished Toha success in continuing the government’s political alliance and called for competitive primaries within the left-wing coalition.

However, timing may prove critical for Toha. A recent Pulso Ciudadano poll showed only 1.9% of respondents supporting her as president. She trails far behind conservative front-runner Evelyn Matthei, who has 24.3%.

Right-wing candidates José Antonio Kast and Johannes Kaiser polled at 10.6% and 9.7%, respectively. Toha also trails Bachelet, who garnered 15.9% support in the same poll.

Chile’s Political Landscape

Although Bachelet has publicly ruled out a third term, her enduring popularity and recent silence have reignited calls for her to reconsider. Álvaro Elizalde, Secretary General of the Presidency, will replace Toha as Interior Minister.

Despite low polling numbers, Toha remains a prominent political figure with extensive experience as a minister, government spokesperson, congresswoman, and mayor. Since joining Boric’s administration in 2022, she has overseen efforts to combat crime and managed last week’s nationwide blackout response.

Critics argue that Toha’s crime-fighting measures have fallen short amid rising homicide rates. A February Cadem poll indicated that 59% of Chileans disapprove of her performance, while only 37% support her leadership.

Toha’s tenure also faced scrutiny last year when her former deputy Manuel Monsalve resigned and was later accused of sexual assault. Chile’s first presidential election round is scheduled for November 16, with a potential runoff on December 14.