News

New Presidential Delegate for La Araucanía Avoids Labeling Violent Actions in the Region as Terrorism

Sponsors

Domingo Abdala (PPD) was appointed to the position on Friday, replacing Jose Montalva, who will run for a seat in Congress.

"I believe it is a mistake to suggest that insecurity in La Araucanía prevents progress and growth because, in that context, we are heading toward learned hopelessness," stated the newly appointed presidential delegate for the region, Domingo Abdala, during his first press meeting with local media when asked whether the attacks affecting the area—which have intensified in recent weeks—constitute acts of terrorism.

Abdala, who was appointed on Friday to replace the resigned José Montalva (who will run for a seat in Congress), stated that "more than my stance on whether there is terrorism in La Araucanía or not, I am convinced that there are actions that generate terror among citizens, but they are limited." He added, "Each case must be analyzed on its own merits, and I cannot generalize on the matter."

For the president of the Multigremial of La Araucanía, Patricio Santibáñez, "it is concerning that an authority lacks the clarity to recognize that there is terrorism here—a situation that is obvious to the entire country and especially to those living in the region." In his view, Abdala's statements "represent a step backward compared to what other government figures, such as the President himself (Gabriel Boric) and the Interior Minister (Carolina Tohá), have expressed."

In the same vein, RN deputy Miguel Mellado challenged Abdala to "rise to the occasion of his position, given all it entails in terms of security, and connect with the real problems." The lawmaker stated that "the attacks have intensified, confirming that terrorist groups are more active than ever."

Source: subscription edition ofEl Mercurio