Chamber of Deputies approves new extension of state of emergency in the Southern Macrozone

With 118 votes in favor, 17 against, and 11 abstentions, the Chamber supported a new extension of the constitutional state of emergency in the Southern Macrozone. The measure requested by the Government will be extended for 30 days, starting from the expiration of the period established by Decree 81 of the Ministry of the Interior.

In the background information, the Government states that the implementation of the constitutional state of emergency has been fundamental in stabilizing the Southern Macrozone. Likewise, rural violence incidents decreased by 79% compared to 2021, the year that recorded the highest number of events. Meanwhile, the operational deployment allowed for the arrest of 1,468 individuals linked to various crimes.

Despite this reduction, the Executive warns that the use of firearms persists. Thus, between January 1 and May 24, 2026, these incidents increased by 37% compared to the same period the previous year. As an example, it mentions the police and military operations carried out on May 13 and 19 in the community of Temucuicui, in compliance with judicial orders, during which shots were fired at police personnel, with no injuries reported.

In the first of these procedures, firearms, ammunition, and a truck reported stolen were seized. In the Executive's view, these facts justify maintaining a coordinated state deployment and moving towards a unified National Defense Headquarters. Additionally, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to criminal prosecution and the dismantling of criminal organizations, with the aim of restoring institutional normalcy and safeguarding security and public order.

Debate on the state of emergency

During the debate in the Chamber, the deputies generally expressed their support for this new extension. However, there were some warnings regarding the need to implement additional plans and programs. This applies both in terms of security and other issues related to infrastructure and support for Mapuche families.

One of the actions highlighted was the project that allows armed forces personnel to carry out preventive checks during states of emergency (Bulletin 18258). The text, which is currently in the Constitution Committee, also allows military personnel to make arrests in flagrante delicto.

The debate included participation from deputies Javier Olivares, Flor Weisse, Andrea Parra, Juan Carlos Beltrán, Diego Vergara, Álvaro Ortiz, Tomás Kast, Eduardo Cretton, Flor Contreras, Cristian Neira, Jaime Coloma, Emilia Nuyado, José Montalva, Enrique Bassaletti, and Marcos Ilabaca.

From the Government, the reasons for the extension were defended by the Minister of the Interior, Claudio Alvarado.

After approval in the Chamber, the Senate must now rule on the extension of this constitutional state of emergency.