Evelyn Matthei Condemns 'Dirty Campaign' as Republican Leader Apologizes; Kast Denies Involvement Amid Digital Attacks and Calls for Unity

Evelyn Matthei, a prominent Chile Vamos pre-candidate, has been at the center of a political controversy following accusations of a "dirty campaign" against her by members of the Republican Party. A Republican leader apologized after attributing "temporary madness" to Matthei, calling it a serious mistake. The incident sparked a broader debate, with Matthei urging for unity and an end to divisive politics. Diego Paulsen, Matthei's campaign chief, condemned what he described as a "shameful" anti-campaign against her, criticizing the ongoing political infighting. Matthei herself denounced the campaign as "disgusting" and also criticized a legislative project aimed at eliminating the Unidad de Fomento (UF). The controversy has drawn attention to the digital attacks faced by women politicians, with Minister Orellana highlighting the increased exposure to online harassment. Female members of Chile Vamos expressed support for Matthei, emphasizing the importance of mental health. Meanwhile, José Antonio Kast, leader of the Republican Party, denied any responsibility for the videos and digital attacks targeting Matthei, rejecting claims that his party engaged in such tactics. The dispute has escalated tensions within the Chile Vamos coalition, with accusations of "bot armies" and harsh rhetoric exchanged between factions. Matthei called for a political environment free from personal attacks and urged all parties to "get out of the mud".