Chilean Congresswoman Karol Cariola resigned as Speaker of the Lower House after leaked messages criticized President Gabriel Boric and revealed alleged influence peddling. Her resignation, amid ongoing investigations, highlights strain within Boric’s coalition, as her confidentiality and rights were questioned during police raids during her maternity. Cariola’s stance supports the call for fairness in political accountability and personal privacy.
Chilean Congresswoman Karol Cariola, currently on maternity leave, has resigned as Speaker of the Lower House in light of leaked private conversations that contained criticisms of President Gabriel Boric Font. Additionally, Cariola is under investigation for alleged influence peddling after attempting to solicit assistance for a Chinese businessman from former Santiago Mayor Irací Hassler. Some of the leaked messages revealed Cariola’s harsh remarks regarding Boric, describing him as “a shitty human being” and the administration as the “worst thing that has happened to us.”
In her resignation statement, the 37-year-old Cariola stated, “After reflecting deeply on this situation, I have come to the conviction that I need tranquility and concentration for the care of my son, who is, without any doubt, my first priority.” She maintained her innocence regarding the controversy, asserting, “My only action, as president of the Chile-China friendship group, was to ask for guidance. I never asked to intervene in the process or do anything outside the legal procedure.”
The resignation follows the publication of leaked text messages by La Tercera from 2022, which prompted police action against Cariola during her maternity. The raid on her home to seize devices was condemned by Cariola as a violation of her and her newborn’s rights. This incident has further strained the relationships within Boric’s coalition, with criticism directed at figures such as Camila Vallejo and Matías Meza-Lopehandía.
In relation to a separate investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office is examining the unsuccessful purchase of the Sierra Bella building by Hassler for municipal purposes, with accusations of possible overcharging surrounding the deal. The case was recently reassigned following the removal of prosecutor Patricio Cooper. Hassler has filed a complaint for breach of secrecy regarding the leaked messages, labeling it a “political operation.”
Karol Cariola’s resignation as Speaker of the Lower House epitomizes the turmoil within Chilean politics due to leaked private communications and ongoing investigations into influence peddling allegations. Her commitment to family during this tumultuous period is highlighted by her prioritization of motherhood over political responsibilities. The continued fallout from these events has implications for Boric’s coalition, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity in political discourse.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
