El Ciudadano
Original article: “Me da indignación, me da mucha rabia”: Alcaldesa de Hualaihué critica “cupón del gas” y acusa al Gobierno de ignorar realidad rural
«Announced with Great Fanfare but Out of Touch»: Mayor Cristina Espinoza Challenges Government Authorities Over Gas Subsidy
At the end of March 2026, Hualaihué’s Mayor Cristina Espinoza Ojeda (IND) shared a viral video expressing regret for supporting José Antonio Kast in her municipality after the dramatic rise in fuel prices was confirmed. «I voted for Kast, and I now acknowledge it was a mistake. In Hualaihué, where most people use diesel vehicles, fuel prices will surge by 62%. This is unsustainable for our families,» she said at that time.
Once again, she spoke out in defense of her constituents, stating, «It bothers me, it makes me furious, and I cannot remain silent.» In a video posted on her social media channels, later shared by Vértice TV, Mayor Espinoza addressed the $27,000 subsidy for liquefied gas announced by the government.
It is worth noting that Hualaihué, located in the Palena province (Los Lagos Region), has a population of 9,480 according to the Census. Most residents live in its capital, Hornopirén (about 3,600), and various coastal coves, with a significant rural population.
The mayor provided numerical insight into the distance between Santiago and Patagonia. «Our residents must travel from different parts of the municipality, paying 10,000 pesos for a ticket, both ways,» she explained. She added, «And they need to buy food during the day while they come to see if they can get help connecting, because even the phones don’t work due to lack of internet.»
According to Vértice TV, in various sectors of Hualaihué, the average price for a gas cylinder ranges from 35,000 to 38,000 pesos, significantly above the announced subsidy amount.
Mayor Espinoza not only criticized the subsidy amount but also directly addressed central authorities. «I cannot understand these officials,» she stated. She further mentioned the Interior Minister, Claudio Alvarado: «It surprises me that we have a Minister of the Interior like Claudio Alvarado who knows our reality, knows the provinces of Palena, knows Chiloé, and understands that 27,000 pesos may buy a gas cylinder in Santiago, but not out here.» The municipal leader emphatically pointed out: «This won’t even be enough to cover a gas cylinder; people will have to dig into their own pockets.»
Visibly upset, the mayor demanded that public policy designs take the realities of local territories into account. «Every time they announce such things with great fanfare, they don’t understand the realities of the municipalities,» she asserted. She highlighted the important role of local governments: «I speak for mayors and we, the municipalities, know our people’s situations well.»
As reported by Vértice TV, Espinoza urged the regional and sectoral ministries to tour extreme provinces to understand logistical and commercial gaps before creating nationwide policies. She also accused public budget cuts affecting health, sports, and public safety.
In conclusion, Cristina Espinoza expressed the frustrations of isolated communities across the country, stating: «I feel very angry towards these authorities.» The mayor criticized the requirement for families to travel to the municipality or Hornopirén to access the subsidy, just to find a possible internet connection to recover that 27,000 pesos.
To watch Mayor Cristina Espinoza’s full statements and the context of her critique on the Gas Subsidy, please view the original video shared by Vértice TV.
La entrada «It’s Infuriating!» Hualaihué Mayor Criticizes Gas Subsidy and Accuses Government of Ignoring Rural Realities se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.
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