Two Seremi Resignations in a Single Day

The administration of Chile’s President José Antonio Kast saw two more regional ministerial secretaries (seremis) resign on Monday, raising the total number of departures from these key local government roles to 28 in the first four months of the government.

In Tarapacá, Labour and Social Welfare seremi Cristián Cabezas stepped down effective immediately. His departure came after complaints were filed by female employees linked to the seremi’s office and the Institute for Occupational Safety (ISL), which prompted a public call for his removal by the regional branch of the National Association of Public Employees (ANEF). Cabezas had taken medical leave during part of the investigation; his return to the post was met with criticism from ANEF Tarapacá. The executive stated that the allegations had been referred to the appropriate bodies in line with current procedures.

The second resignation was in the Maule region, where Housing and Urban Planning seremi Patricio Ponce submitted his voluntary resignation. The government did not disclose the reasons, and the Ministry of Housing (Minvu) only confirmed it was a voluntary move. The timing drew sharp concern from Senator Paulina Vodanovic (Maule), who noted that a storm is approaching the region and that the housing seremi plays a critical role in planning and emergency response.

What the Accelerating Turnover Means for the Kast Government

An Unusually High Churn Rate

Twenty-eight seremi exits in four months is an unusually high figure for any Chilean administration. These officials are the government’s face in each region, charged with implementing national policy on the ground. Such rapid turnover threatens the continuity of programmes and undermines early-stage momentum for a government that is still defining its operational style. While some departures may be for personal reasons, the accumulation suggests problems in the selection, support or working environment for these appointees.

The Tarapacá Case: Allegations and Political Fallout

The resignation of Cristián Cabezas is directly tied to workplace complaints. The fact that his temporary return under a cloud was publicly condemned by the public-sector union ANEF placed the government in a difficult position. By accepting the resignation, the executive removes an immediate source of friction but still faces questions about the handling of the initial complaints and any potential liabilities for the agencies involved.

The Maule Resignation: Bad Timing with an Approaching Storm

Patricio Ponce’s voluntary exit, while unexplained, comes at a particularly sensitive moment. With severe weather forecast, the housing seremi is essential for coordinating shelter, infrastructure checks and post-event housing assessments. Senator Vodanovic’s intervention is a reminder that governance is not only about policy but about being present when regions face emergencies. A leadership vacuum, even filled temporarily, can slow critical decision-making.

What Comes Next for Tarapacá and Maule

The Ministry of Housing has appointed María José Díaz, head of the department of plans and programmes at the Maule housing seremi, as acting seremi from 1 August. Her immediate challenge will be to ensure that housing and urban planning services are fully integrated with the regional emergency response ahead of the predicted storm.

In Tarapacá, no replacement has been named for the Labour seremi, leaving the leadership gap open at a time when the office is likely still dealing with the fallout from the complaints that triggered the previous seremi’s departure. The national government will need to move quickly to restore stability and public confidence in the regional labour ministry.

The accumulation of 28 vacancies across the country means the administration is simultaneously managing a wave of acting appointments and recruitment processes. Whether it can fill these posts with qualified figures who stay in the role will be watched as a key indicator of the government’s capacity to govern at the regional level.