Raúl Latorre, head of Deputies. Photo: archive.
The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Raúl Latorre, recognized that the debate on tax reform is installed on the legislative agenda and that it generates concern in different sectors, especially in unions.
Legislator Raúl Latorre explained that the project was referred to the Permanent Commission during the parliamentary recess and that dialogue sessions have already begun with the Minister of Economy, union representatives and legislators. “We agreed that the debate on this project was going to begin in the Permanent Commission, taking advantage of the time, and in fact that has already begun,” he said.
The head of Deputies maintained that There is a growing consensus on the urgency of introducing changes. “We have to go to a reform of the Fiscal Fund; there are modifications that we must make, because “If we don’t do them, we run the risk that, at a certain point, retirees will not be able to collect their salaries,” he warned, emphasizing: “The alternative of not making any changes is worse, much worse.”
However, he insisted that any reform must be built based on dialogue and consensus. “It has to be with a deep debate and active listening that takes into account the intentions and thoughts of all sectors,” he stated, emphasizing that the reform “cannot be imposed by forced consensus,” but must be the result of a broad process with the participation of technicians, parliamentarians and affected sectors.
Time of reform
Regarding the appropriate time to address the reform in plenary, President Latorre indicated that, currently, he cannot specify a date, although He did not rule out treatment during the parliamentary recess, as long as “a consensus close to 90 or 95%” is achieved.
However, he warned that if divided positions and a high level of conflict persist, “it is reasonable to wait for the regular period,” considering that the recess is relatively short.
The president of Deputies recognized that this is a controversial issue, but stressed that the situation of the Fiscal Fund is unsustainable and represents a necessary challenge that must guarantee the protection of current and future retirees.
He highlighted the “courage and commitment” of President Santiago Peña for promoting these changes in an electoral year, prioritizing a long-term vision over immediate political convenience, and pointed out that the current difficulties are due to political modifications – not technical – made in the past.
Reform of the Parliamentary Treasury
Regarding the reform of the Parliamentary Fund, President Latorre was emphatic: “Legislators cannot be exempt; we should start by setting an example. I agree with the president of Congress, Senator Bachi Núñez. Our challenge should be that we can eliminate burdens on the State for our retirement.”
He added that this will involve “changing the dynamics of the existing box, creating a new box, increasing the years; it is a debate that has to exist.”
