Chilean Lower House Speaker Karol Cariola Resigns Amid Controversy

Karol Cariola, Chilean Congresswoman and Speaker of the Lower House, resigned amid controversy from leaked messages criticizing President Boric. Under investigation for alleged influence peddling, she emphasized her need to focus on her family in her resignation. Tensions within Boric’s coalition have escalated due to these incidents, and the fallout continues to unfold as legal actions are initiated.

Chilean Congresswoman Karol Cariola has officially resigned from her position as Speaker of the Lower House while on maternity leave. Her departure follows the leak of private messages where she criticized President Gabriel Boric Font and is under investigation for alleged influence peddling involving a Chinese businessman. In these leaked conversations, Cariola also denounced President Boric as “a shitty human being” and referred to the current government as “the worst thing that has happened to us.”

In a statement, Cariola emphasized her need for peace and concentration to care for her newborn son, stating, “I need tranquility for the care of my son, who is, without any doubt, my first priority.” She defended her actions regarding the investigation, claiming her only request was for guidance and denying any intentions to intervene legally. Cariola asserted that her private conversations were leaked unlawfully, violating her right to privacy, and urged that any allegations against her be investigated impartially.

The controversy surrounding Cariola intensified after La Tercera published leaked text messages between her and former Santiago Mayor Irací Hassler. Two weeks prior, police had raided Cariola’s residence to confiscate devices, an action she criticized as a violation of both her and her newborn’s rights. The situation has exacerbated tensions within President Boric’s coalition, with accusations exchanged among party members.

In 2023, the Prosecutor’s Office began investigating a contentious property deal involving Hassler. After legal complications arose regarding the building’s appraisal for a municipal clinic, the probe led to the exposure of the controversial text messages. Hassler ultimately abandoned the purchase of the property after receiving a negative report from the Comptroller’s Office.

In a further development, Chief Prosecutor Ángel Valencia reassigned the investigation from Prosecutor Patricio Cooper to Claudia Perivancich following criticism of Cooper’s methods. Hassler, likewise, has initiated legal action regarding the leaked messages, decrying them as a “political operation.”

In summary, Karol Cariola’s resignation from her role as Speaker reflects the fallout from leaked messages criticizing President Gabriel Boric and her involvement in an investigation for alleged influence peddling. Her focus on prioritizing her son’s welfare and defending her actions amid scrutiny has highlighted the complexities and tensions within the Chilean political landscape, particularly within Boric’s coalition. As investigations continue, the implications of these events signal a significant turning point in Chilean politics.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com