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Removal and Replacement in the Commission for Peace: "Caso Convenios" Shakes the Government

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• Juan Pablo Leonelli is removed from his position in the commission following his arrest in the "Caso Convenios," being replaced by Nicolás Figari Vial.

In an unexpected turn, the Government announced today the dismissal of Juan Pablo Leonelli from the Commission for Peace and Understanding amid investigations into the "Caso Convenios" scandal.

Leonelli's arrest, former Chief of Staff to the Governor of La Araucanía, Luciano Rivas, occurred in the context of Operation "Manicure," which investigates a multi-million peso fraud involving funds allocated for training programs for vulnerable women that never took place.

The official statement from the Executive emphasizes that the decision was made with the consensus of the Commission and that Nicolás Figari Vial, a lawyer with experience in indigenous affairs and a member of the Commission's Expert Committee, will take Leonelli's place. Figari is recognized for his academic background and his participation in the Presidential Advisory Commission for La Araucanía in 2016.

The investigation into the "Caso Convenios" focuses on the diversion of 730 million pesos, funds from the Regional Government allocated to the Folab and Educc Foundations. These entities were supposed to carry out training programs in Temuco and Padre Las Casas, which were never implemented. The Investigative Police continues its efforts to clarify the extent of the fraud and determine the relevant responsibilities.

From La Moneda, the Government has emphasized its interest in ensuring justice acts swiftly and rigorously, assuring that, if crimes are proven, the most severe penalties allowed by law will be imposed. The situation has sparked a wave of reactions in the political and social spheres, highlighting the need for transparency and ethics in the management of public funds.

The community hopes that the appointment of Figari Vial as Leonelli's successor will help restore trust in the Commission for Peace and Understanding and in the institutions involved in administering resources for social programs.