Property Conflict Forces Allende’s Granddaughter From Chilean Defense Ministry

The Chilean government announced Monday that Defense Minister Maya Fernández Allende has resigned amid growing controversy over a failed state purchase of her grandfather’s house.

President Gabriel Boric immediately appointed former Education Minister Adriana Delpiano as her replacement at the Defense Ministry. Fernández, granddaughter of former Socialist President Salvador Allende, stepped down after mounting pressure regarding her role in the controversial property transaction.

The government had attempted to acquire Salvador Allende’s former residence. The plan was to transform it into a museum honoring the late president’s legacy. The purchase collapsed when officials discovered Fernández was a co-owner of the property located on Guardia Vieja Street in Santiago’s Providencia district.

Chilean law explicitly prohibits government officials from entering financial transactions with the state while holding public office. Further complications arose when investigators revealed the house had been appraised at a value significantly higher than its market price.

This discrepancy prompted the Chilean Public Prosecutor’s Office to launch a formal investigation into potential irregularities two months ago. Fernández had served as Defense Minister since March 2022 when President Boric took office.

Political Setback and Leadership Changes in Chile

She previously held the position of President of the Chamber of Deputies between 2018 and 2019, representing Santiago’s 10th district as a member of the Socialist Party.

Her replacement, Adriana Delpiano, brings substantial government experience to the role. Delpiano previously served as Education Minister during Michelle Bachelet’s administration and held several other high-level positions in past Chilean governments.

The controversy marks a significant political setback for Boric’s administration. Fernández recently testified before Chilean judicial authorities about her involvement in the failed transaction earlier this month.

Salvador Allende, Chile‘s first democratically elected socialist president, served from 1970 until his death during the 1973 military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. His former residence represents an important historical landmark for many Chileans, particularly those aligned with progressive politics.

The failed museum project now joins other governmental initiatives facing uncertainty. These include the relocation of Rapa Nui’s Mataveri Airport, which had been overseen by the recently dismissed National Assets Minister, Marcela Sandoval.

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