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Original article: “No es un botín político”: Denuncian ante Ministerio Público aumentos de sueldos irregulares en el Ministerio de la Mujer

«This is Out of Control»: Women’s Ministry Employees Report Irregular Salary Increases to Public Prosecutor

Women’s Minister Judith Marin

«Never, in over 20 years as public servants, have we witnessed something so devoid of ethics and official responsibility.» This was the statement made by the National Association of Women’s Ministry Employees (ANFUMMEG) regarding the current crisis affecting the ministry, in a press release circulated this morning by The Clinic.

The union, led by its president Paulina Cid, filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Comptroller’s Office over alleged abuses and corruption.

The statement from the leadership indicates that under the new authorities of the Kast administration, the ministry is facing «an increasingly weakened institutional framework, with serious management deficiencies.» Among the accusations, they mention «evidence of gross self-granted salary benefits during the change of authorities,» unauthorized salary increases, and issues with vendor payments, travel expenses, overtime, and nursery services.

According to the association, the situation has left the ministry «in its minimal expression and practically without budget execution.» Employees warned that since the new administration of President José Antonio Kast took office, they have been alerting to a «progressive deterioration of internal management,» exemplified by failed public purchases and administrative errors.

The conflict has been exacerbated by changes in the undersecretary position. Former undersecretary Daniela Castro (RN) left the ministry after irreconcilable differences with Minister Judith Marín (Christian Social Party). She was succeeded by Marcia Raphael (RN). However, ANFUMMEG laments that despite Castro’s departure, «those responsible for the internal debacle remain in their positions.»

«With the appointment of new undersecretary Marcia Raphael, we expected an immediate correction of the institutional course. However, to date, those responsible for the internal debacle continue to hold their positions,» the statement reads. The association criticized that trusted officials hired by Castro are still in their roles, hindering an adequate institutional transition.

«This is out of control. Never, in over 20 years as public servants, have we witnessed something so devoid of ethics and official responsibility. This ministry is not a political prize, nor is it part of a personal feast,» the association rebuked, adding: «It cannot be used to protect networks of trust, sustain positions without leadership, or allow practices that affect integrity and public management.»

The group demanded the immediate removal of the questioned officials, an investigation into the irregularities, the appointment of a new ministerial auditor, and a clear plan for the ministry. They also expressed their rejection of any «strategy of dismantling» or merging of the ministry: «Such actions would signify a huge setback for the country,» they concluded.

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