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Original article: Gobierno de Kast parte a tropezones: recuento cifra en 16 los seremis fuera en 36 días

According to a report shared on social media by Danilo Herrera, who focuses on legislative monitoring and political analysis, the government of José Kast has seen 16 regional secretaries (seremis) either fail to assume or resign from their posts within the first 36 days.

This situation highlights challenges in the local establishment of the far-right administration and raises concerns regarding the rigor of the selection process for these authorities, who serve as a vital link between the central government and regions. They are responsible for developing and implementing regional policies, plans, and projects related to their ministries, coordinating with relevant agencies on sectoral development plans, and performing regulatory and oversight duties, among other responsibilities.

Patrick Dungan Fails to Report to Work

Among the cases documented by Herrera is that of Patrick Dungan, whose appointment as the regional secretary of Energy for La Araucanía was rescinded after he failed to report to work since Monday, April 13, without providing any explanation, according to a statement from the Regional Presidential Delegation released on Wednesday.

«Since Monday, April 13, Seremi Patrick Dungan has been absent from his office without providing official justifications to the Ministry of Energy or the Regional Presidential Delegation of La Araucanía, a regrettable irregularity,» the statement outlined.

The Delegation confirmed that they attempted to reach Dungan but had received no response.

In light of this situation, the Ministry of Energy, headed by Ximena Rincón, decided to withdraw his appointment from the General Comptroller’s Office.

“A new candidate will be proposed to the President of the Republic to promptly designate an authority for this portfolio,” the statement indicated, noting that the seremi of Economy, Carlos Zirotti, would assume the interim position.

Actor Renato Münster Resigns After Just One Day

It was also reported yesterday that Renato Münster has exited his role as the regional secretary for Cultures, Arts, and Heritage in the Metropolitan Region.

Through social media, the actor announced his resignation just 24 hours after assuming his position.

“Unfortunately, due to personal and urgent reasons, I cannot assume the role of Seremi for which I was designated,” he stated in a message posted on his X account.

Münster replaced Gustavo Baehr, who held the position for two weeks until he was dismissed due to a lack of experience in the cultural field.

Nataly Cruz Resigns for Not Meeting Required Criteria

Occupying the position for a slightly longer duration of 8 days, Nataly Cruz Plaza, the regional secretary of Labor and Social Security for Arica and Parinacota, submitted her resignation after it was confirmed that she failed to meet one of the specified requirements for the role.

A member of the Christian Social Party, appointed by the administration of José Antonio Kast, lacked the required two years of professional experience since obtaining her degree.

“In practical terms, this implies not having met the minimum years of experience associated with having graduated from university within the necessary timeframe. This factor was pivotal in her departure, exposing a flaw in the validation process prior to the appointment,” noted the local newspaper El Morrocotudo.

Aldo Ibani Chamorro Resigns After Brief Tenure

Also experiencing a tenure shorter than that of a common cold was Aldo Ibani Chamorro, who resigned as the regional secretary of Health for Valparaíso, following a storm of criticism and challenges regarding his suitability for the position.

Upon news of his appointment, reservations quickly arose from various quarters. Criticisms highlighted that he only holds a degree in medicine without any specialization or proven experience in public health, healthcare network management, or leadership roles within the state health system.

Additionally, the Dentists Association confirmed that it is investigating claims from former university peers that Ibani may have sold counterfeit dental products, misrepresenting them as authentic items from a Japanese brand.

Simultaneously, there was an examination of Ibani’s tenure as clinical director of Italdent clinic in Viña del Mar, a role that, according to the president of the Dentists Association, Pedro Tapia, requires a medical degree. Former employees also reported issues with salary payments during his administration from 2014 to 2016.

“Much Better If They Are Younger”: Messages That Halted Alexander Nanjarí’s Appointment

Included in the list is the name of Alexander Nanjarí, whose appointment as the regional secretary of Education was announced on social media but was revoked a little over 24 hours later following the discovery of a series of messages posted between 2024 and 2025 regarding age differences in romantic relationships.

Among the posts recovered through screenshots, despite the original account being deleted, a conversation is highlighted where Nanjarí responded to a query about age differences, stating: “10 years is nothing” and added, “much better if they are younger.”

Departures of Seremis in 36 Days

The compilation by Danilo Herrera regarding failed appointments of seremis during the first 36 days of Kast’s government due to non-compliance with legal requirements and personal background also includes the following individuals: Hernán Silva (seremi of Public Safety for Valparaíso); Carlos Montero (seremi of Labor and Social Security for Valparaíso); Jorge Salazar Ruiz (seremi of Public Works for Los Ríos); Patricia Dinamarca Reyes (seremi of Education for Los Lagos); Jorge Ravelo Fuentes (seremi of Energy for Los Lagos); Lizet Tapia (Seremi of Social Development and Family for Antofagasta); Karina Trujillo Contreras (seremi of Justice and Human Rights for Antofagasta); Anggel Colque González (seremi of Women and Gender Equity for Antofagasta), and Mauricio Montealegre Gandolfo (seremi of Public Works for Tarapacá).

La entrada Kast Administration Faces Struggles: 16 Officials Depart in 36 Days se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.