Government denies having pressured Senator Bianchi

SANTIAGO. - The government spokesperson, Francisco Vidal, has shot down accusations that the administration is pressuring the independent senator, Carlos Bianchi, less than a week before the Upper House makes the decision to ratify or veto the removal of the minister of Education, Yasna Provoste.

“I do not agree with this method (of pressuring) because then every time a senator comes to La Moneda to make a proposal they would experience unnecessary pressure, in this case from the Executive Branch to the Legislative Branch.  There is no unnecessary pressure here from anywhere.  When has there ever been unnecessary pressure?” Vidal said while making his exit after listening to Bianchi´s statements demanding autonomy for his decisions. 

This Tuesday, minister of Justice Carlos Maldonado accompanied the senator while on the way out of Congress to, as he stated “explain some matters concerning labor law”.

 “With this type of criteria (such as that of Senator Bianchi) no senator would be able to present any kind of proposal to the government because I would end up pale-faced saying that they are pressuring me”, added Vidal.