UDI Senator Coloma and RN President Galilea Defend Matthei’s Campaign in Final 100 Days Amid Party Discipline and Coalition Talks

Juan Antonio Coloma, senator of the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) and political coordinator for presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei, emphasized the critical importance of the final 100 days of the campaign. Coloma highlighted efforts to strengthen the campaign following calls from Matthei and Diego Paulsen. He criticized the previous constitutional processes led by Jeannette Jara and the Kast party, describing them as failures, and expressed his opposition to the continuation of the current government, stating his preference for Matthei but willingness to support any candidate opposing the incumbent administration. Coloma also distanced himself from comments made by Nicolás Ibáñez, calling them incomprehensible. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Galilea, senator and president of National Renewal (RN), affirmed that Matthei's candidacy remains stable despite unfavorable poll results. He addressed internal party discipline issues, noting that the RN Supreme Tribunal has initiated proceedings against Carlos Larraín, Alejandro Kusanovic, and Mellado for their dissenting actions against Matthei's campaign, with potential sanctions forthcoming. Galilea mentioned ongoing final negotiations to bring the Democrats party into Matthei's coalition and dismissed speculation about Juan Sutil as a presidential candidate, reaffirming Matthei as the sole candidate. He also commented on the political and economic concentration risks affecting both right and left-wing parties. Regarding former president Eduardo Frei, Galilea noted his courageous decisions and suggested it would not be surprising if Frei votes for Matthei, given his disagreements with the Christian Democratic Party's support for Jeannette Jara. Galilea condemned the use of legal actions over alleged bot activity in the campaign as unproductive and criticized Nicolás Ibáñez's remarks as inappropriate. He expressed optimism about coordination efforts for parliamentary elections and reiterated pride in Matthei's candidacy.