Chilean Government Delays Santiago-Valparaíso Train Bidding Over Bidders’ Failures Amid Criticism from Senator Lagos Weber and Matthei’s Copper Tariff Claims

The Chilean government has postponed the bidding process for the Santiago-Valparaíso train project, citing that the bidders did not meet the necessary requirements. This delay has drawn criticism from Senator Ricardo Lagos Weber of the Party for Democracy (PPD), who expressed disappointment with the government's decision and called for a clear and thorough explanation. Lagos Weber also commented on the controversy surrounding the officialist request to the Constitutional Court regarding the Law on Sectoral Permits, describing it as paradoxical given that the law had already been approved and noting that some government-aligned members of the Chamber of Deputies were involved in the appeal. Additionally, Lagos Weber criticized statements by Senator Evelyn Matthei concerning President Gabriel Boric's responsibility for copper tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling Matthei's claims as unfounded and politically motivated. He also addressed remarks by Senator Quintana about the Socialism Democratic party's role in the upcoming presidential election, suggesting a more positive framing of the party's influence. Lagos Weber further remarked on Matthei's political strategy, implying that attacking President Boric would not yield electoral gains.