Karol Cariola has resigned as Speaker of the Chilean Lower House following the leak of messages where she criticized President Boric. She is under investigation for alleged influence peddling, which exacerbates tensions within Boric’s coalition. A controversial police raid on her home during her childbirth and ongoing investigations regarding Irací Hassler further complicate the situation.
Karol Cariola, Speaker of the Chilean Lower House and on maternity leave, has resigned after private messages criticizing President Gabriel Boric were leaked. Additionally, she is under investigation for alleged influence peddling related to assisting a Chinese businessman. Among her leaked remarks, she referred to President Boric as “a shitty human being” and described the current government as “the worst thing that has happened to us.”
In a statement, Cariola expressed the necessity for her tranquility and devotion to her son, asserting, “I need tranquility and concentration for the care of my son, who is, without any doubt, my first priority.” She also defended her actions regarding the inquiry, claiming her role was merely to seek guidance and did not involve any legal misconduct.
Following the leak of messages by La Tercera, police conducted a controversial raid on Cariola’s home during her childbirth, aiming to seize relevant devices. She condemned this breach of rights, emphasizing that the privacy of information is sacred and that the case against her should be conducted impartially.
Conflict within Boric’s coalition has escalated due to criticisms directed towards party figures, including Spokeswoman Camila Vallejo. Investigations concerning the rejected purchase of the Sierra Bella building by Irací Hassler, also linked to Cariola, are ongoing. This inquiry seeks to determine if there was an overcharge in the property transaction.
As of recent developments, Chief Prosecutor Ángel Valencia has reassigned the investigation away from prosecutor Patricio Cooper to Claudia Perivancich. In a parallel matter, Hassler has brought a criminal complaint against the leak of her private conversations with Cariola, labeling the incident as a “political operation.”
In summary, Karol Cariola’s resignation as Speaker of the Lower House amid leaked private messages and investigations of influence peddling marks a significant development in Chilean politics. Her decision emphasizes the ongoing challenges within President Boric’s coalition and raises serious concerns regarding privacy rights and political integrity. As investigations proceed, the political landscape in Chile remains dynamic and contentious.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
