Matthei says UDI has not officially declared Piñera as its presidential candidate

SANTIAGO.- After the Extended Directive Council of the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) announced its intention to support the presidential candidacy of National Rennovation (RN) leader Sebastián Piñera, Senator Evelyn Matthei assured today that the proclamation is not definitive.

The UDI senator explained to Radio ADN that what was had been done at the group's meeting was to "acknowledge that he was the best positioned, but he was not proclaimed. The proclamation, if it happens, will take place in April or May when the General Council meets".

The member of Parliament proceeded by harshly criticizing the sectors of her party that have defended the possibility of proclaiming Piñera as the group's official candidate before such date, indicating that "the support has grown too fast".

While referring to the matter, Senator Matthei stated that until the Extended Directive Council had met, "a significant portion of UDI leaders had been openly and clearly expressing their desire to proclaim Piñera on the 12th of December, and the truth is that many of us could not understand the need for such haste".