Adriana Delpiano Appointed as Chile’s New Defense Minister after Scandal
Chilean President Gabriel Boric appointed Adriana Delpiano as the new Defense Minister, following Maya Fernández’s resignation related to a scandal involving the attempted purchase of Salvador Allende’s home. Boric also accepted the resignation of Chief Advisor Miguel Crispi. Delpiano, previously an Education Minister, brings relevant experience to her new role.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font has appointed Adriana Delpiano as the new Minister of Defense, succeeding Maya Fernández. Fernández resigned following her involvement in a scandal related to the government’s unsuccessful attempt to acquire the home of her grandfather, former President Salvador Allende. This controversial deal, which violated constitutional regulations preventing officials from engaging in state contracts, prompted a criminal investigation for tax fraud and a constitutional accusation against Fernández and Senator Isabel Allende.
Moreover, Boric also accepted the resignation of his Chief Advisor, Miguel Crispi, who was associated with additional controversies afflicting the ruling left-wing coalition. He replaced Crispi with Felipe Melo Rivara, a civil industrial engineer who previously served as the director of the Civil Service until March 2025.
In her farewell statement, Fernández expressed, “I leave my position with the peace of mind of having always acted with loyalty and strict adherence to the Constitution and the law.” She further conveyed gratitude to the commanders-in-chief of the Armed Forces and to all military personnel, stating, “Long live Chile!” La Moneda issued a formal statement acknowledging and thanking Fernández for her dedication.
Adriana Delpiano, a social worker educated at the Catholic University, has an extensive background in public service. She previously held the role of Education Minister from 2015 to 2018 under President Michelle Bachelet and has served as the Mayor of the Metropolitan Region and Minister of National Assets among other positions.
The recent appointments within Chile’s government reflect significant changes driven by allegations of misconduct. Adriana Delpiano steps into the role of Defense Minister amid a backdrop of scandal involving her predecessor, Maya Fernández, while Miguel Crispi’s resignation adds to the turbulence facing President Boric’s administration. Delpiano brings a wealth of experience from her previous governmental roles, including her tenure as Education Minister. The political landscape remains dynamic as these events unfold.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
