Paulina Vodanovic and Juan Manuel Santa Cruz Debate Chilean Election Strategies, Pension Reform, and Gender Equality Amid Bachelet’s Warning

During a televised discussion on August 12, 2025, Paulina Vodanovic, senator and president of the Socialist Party (PS) of Chile, and Juan Manuel Santa Cruz, president of the center-right party Evópoli, addressed key political issues ahead of upcoming elections. Vodanovic emphasized efforts to form a unified candidate list, although she acknowledged that unity requires shared projects and goals. She also stated that the territorial tax should no longer be collected and that the pension system (AFP) should continue with reforms rather than be dismantled. Vodanovic criticized the political discourse around women’s representation, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by women in Chile. Santa Cruz declared that the possibility of a single electoral list was closed, citing differing political projects, and said Evópoli would support alternation if Jeannette Jara advances to a second round. He expressed reluctance to govern with the Republican party led by José Antonio Kast, despite not ruling it out entirely. Santa Cruz also noted ongoing negotiations with the Democratic party and reaffirmed Evópoli’s commitment to defending women’s rights. Additionally, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet warned about the fragility of progress on gender equality and called for increased inclusion of women with a gender perspective in all power structures, highlighting concerns over democratic backsliding and its impact on women’s rights.