Kast denies that his security reform is "illiberal" and says that "it can be modified"

Chilean President José Antonio Kast defended his proposed constitutional security reform on Monday, August 24, denying accusations that the measure is "illiberal" or represents an authoritarian drift to combat organized crime. Speaking in Santiago de Chile, Kast stated that the proposal—which includes granting broad presidential powers through a new State of Exception lasting up to 240 days—can be modified during congressional debate.

The reform package has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and government officials regarding the extent of executive power. While the administration rejected claims of authoritarianism, biminister of Interior and Segegob Claudio Alvarado previously dismissed concerns over a potential authoritarian drift, as the legislation enters the Senate for review and anticipated negotiations with the opposition.