On Saturday 26, President Piñera publicly called on his ministers to be ready to step aside to allow for a cabinet reshuffle; on Monday 28, replacements were announced for eight of its portfolios. Meanwhile, the state of emergency and curfew that had been introduced were lifted across the country.

Among the changes made, the removal of Andrés Chadwick, the former interior minister, who gives way to the engineer and Evópoli activist Gonzalo Blumel, stands out. It is interesting to note that Blumel forged his early political career at Freedom and Development, the think-thank of the Independent Democratic Union (UDI), of liberal tinge. Blumel is backed politically by Cristián Larroulet, who serves as chief advisor to the President.

Piñera’s economic team has also been restructured. Ignacio Briones, former Dean of the Adolfo Ibañez University School of Government and ex director of the National Copper Corporation (CODELCO), replaces Felipe Larraín as Finance Minister. Whilst Lucas Palacios, who served as Undersecretary of Public Works in Piñera’s two terms, takes over from Andrés Fontaine, the former Minister of Economy.

Felipe Ward assumes as General Secretary Minister of the Presidency. Until now he was Minister of National Assets, a role that will be filled by the pro-government lawyer Julio Isamit.