Chile: Political Trial to Remove President Piñera Approved by Chamber of Deputies

November 10, 2021 Patricia Ferrer Chile, Chilean Legislative Branch, Jaime Naranjo, Pandora Papers, Piñera Impeachment, Sebastian Pinera

On Monday, November 8, Chile’s Chamber of Deputies approved, with a 78-vote majority, to set in motion the proceedings of an impeachment that would remove Chilean president Sebastián Piñera from office.

Accusations against President Piñera have emerged as a result of the Pandora Papers leak, which revealed how Piñera closed an irregular mining project deal in the Virgin Islands. According to the Pandora Papers, this occurred during Piñera’s first presidential term (2010-2014).

✅ Con 78 votos a favor, 67 en contra y 3 abstenciones la Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados aprueba la #AcusaciónConstitucional contra el Presidente @sebastianpinera.

Pasa al @Senado_Chile, que debe decidir como jurado. pic.twitter.com/WPx4RNQimR

— Diputadas y Diputados de Chile (@Camara_cl) November 9, 2021

After a session in the Chamber of Deputies that lasted for almost 24 hours, the motion to impeach Piñera was passed over to the Senate. Socialist parliamentarian Jaime Naranjo, responsible for formulating the charges against Piñera, gave an almost 15-hour speech so as to buy time for other deputies, who were waiting to conclude their COVID-19 quarantines, to participate in the vote.

"No he comido nada. Esto es un ayuno que he hecho por la justicia de nuestro país", dijo el @diputadonaranjo durante un receso de 20 minutos de su extensa intervención para sostener la acusación constitucional contra el Presidente Sebastián Piñera. pic.twitter.com/JD2JkXsahp

— El Mostrador (@elmostrador) November 9, 2021

Piñera’s political trial and possible dismissal occurs less than two weeks before presidential elections take place. This is the second time Piñera, whose personal fortune exceeds €3 billion according to Forbes magazine, has had accusations leveled at him while in office. In 2019, the chamber of deputies filed charges against Piñera for human rights violations. On that occasion, a majority vote needed to trigger impeachment proceedings was not reached.

Piñera’s current accusation will now pass before the Senate, where it must gain a two-thirds majority, this is, it must be approved by 29 senators, for it to pass.

Notwithstanding, President Piñera is not suspended from his functions while this process is being carried out. However, he may not leave the country without prior parliamentary approval.

Van 22.656 hrs y PIÑERA NO HABLA del PRIVILEGIO DE TENER UNA PLAYA PRIVADA y NO PAGAR CONTRIBUCIONES EN 30 AÑOS.Hoy la marraqueta en las familias está más rica y crujiente después de la APROBACIÓN DE LA AC.
BASTA DE ABUSOS Y DE ENREQUECIMIENTOS ILICITOS.
pic.twitter.com/01tGqs9KF0

— Jaime Naranjo AH-68 (@diputadonaranjo) November 9, 2021

Featured image: Chile’s Chamber of Deputies in session. Photo: RedRadioVE

(RedRadioVE) by Patricia Ferrer

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/GMS/SL