“This is the beginning of the erosion of democracy and the Rule of Law. Without checks and balances among powers, a dangerous path is opened. I hope the right wing is not tempted,” legislator Lorena Fries, of the Frente Amplio (Broad Front-FA), wrote on her X profile.

Fries added that the proposal breaks with one of the pillars of the system, which is precisely the existence of the three branches of the State and the controls between them.

The bill was introduced by independent lawmaker Gapar Rivas, a former member of the conservative Partido de la Gente (People’s Party), and proposes that if Parliament rejects a presidential message or introduces modifications that alter its essence, the president would be empowered to dissolve it.

In that case, the president could continue governing by decree with the force of law for the next six months.

“The initiative is extremely serious and, if approved, would imply a great deterioration for democracy. Chile does not need it,” FA lawmaker Emilia Schneider stated on social media.

The proposal generated rejection from members of parties of several political tendencies.

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