Piñera refutes criticism from Longuiera concerning RN party manipulation

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SANTIAGO.- After UDI Senator Pablo Longueira stated yesterday that the National Renovation is using the privileged position of its leader, Sebastián Piñera, to make the UDI party "disappear", the business tycoon has denied such intention, stating that it is inappropriate for the Alianza to use that type of "combative language".

"The National Renovation is not trying to damage the inner workings of the Alianza in any way, nor is it trying to take a swing at the UDI", the RN presidential candidate told Radio Agricultura.

With regards to the matter, Piñera declared, "I respectfully ask that we work to create unity, not conflict, within the Alianza. We have to correct mistakes, not aggravate them".

Piñera was emphatic about contradicting the statements made by Longueira, who claimed that "we in the UDI have no doubts" that appointing Lily Pérez as the successor to Pedro Álvarez-Salamance was a maneuver concocted by Piñera in hopes of establishing a senatorial competition between the RN Secretary General and the president of the UDI, Juan Antonio Coloma".

"The accusations are serious and imprudent because they have no basis", stated Piñera, while insisting that "the decision to elect Lily Pérez was a decision that was made by the RN board of directors".