Viera-Gallo: UDI will be responsible for fuel price hikes if the party rejects the bill

SANTIAGO.- The Minister of the Executive Branch, José Antonio Viera-Gallo, issued a clear warning to the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) today in the event that party members finally decide to reject the law proposing to inject 1 billion U.S. dollars into the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund.

The general secretary emphasized the fact that the initiative favors industry and transportation workers, as well as consumers, saying that he hopes for a different attitude from the National Renovation (RN) and expects Concertación members of Parliament “to concentrate” on its approval.

Viera-Gallo assured that the government administration is willing to “take into consideration any positive suggestions and receive constructive criticism”, but said that in his opinion it is “unreasonable that there are political forces that refuse to vote for a legislation concerning this matter”, saying that if they do so, “they are setting the stage for the Oil Stabilization Fund to end up without any resources”.

Given the fact that some legislators are currently traveling abroad, Viera-Gallo acknowledged that the situation is “uncertain” and indicated that the document will likely be voted on either tomorrow (Thursday) or on Tuesday of next week.