Aldo Duque (Ind.), opens up to reevaluate his candidacy for Santiago: “I am willing to make any sacrifice in pursuit of unity”

The definition by the candidate for mayor of the commune of Santiago has caused the opposition more than one headache.

First of all, they tried to anoint Felipe Alessandri (RN) -predecessor of the current communal leader and who was defeated in 2021-, but he was blunt in communicating that he was not available. “I will not be a candidate for mayor of Santiago, it is a definitive no,” he stated in an interview with La Tercera.

Later, it was the turn of former minister Sebastián Sichel, who ended up dropping out of the race due to a series of disagreements with the leaders of Chile Vamos. Finally, the coalition ended up choosing to nominate the former minister as well. Mario Desbordes.

In the ups and downs of Chile Vamos, the lawyer Aldo Duque has become a threat for the nomination of a single card. Although Duque is not a member of any political party, he has the support of the Social Christian Party for his intentions to become the next mayor of Santiago.

His candidacy is becoming a headache for the opposition. Is that a problem for you?

No, at all. For me, the most important thing is to internalize the feelings of my neighbors. I’m just another neighbor, I don’t come from outside.

Chile Vamos has already opted for Desbordes and what has been maintained is that you are available to lower your candidacy, have there been contacts for that?

There has been no contact regarding this.

And with Desbordes in particular?

No one around him has called me.

And are you looking forward to having that conversation?

With him and with anyone who wants to talk to me.

Is your option maintained after Desbordes’ nomination?

Nobody has called me and I continue working.

So, you are willing to maintain the candidacy, what will it depend on until the end?

From my neighbors.

But the support of the parties is key…

Of course and I have the support of the Social Christian Party, therefore there is a party structure.

The electoral strength of the PSC is less than that of Chile Let’s…

The PSC is registered at the national level, has a parliamentary bench and I am not in favor of ignoring any political force.

Your candidacy would put at risk a triumph of the right in the commune, have you weighed that risk?

I hope that Chile Vamos has also considered it.

And have you considered it?

I do it daily and I am suffering the consequences.

And you haven’t discussed it with right-wing leaders?

Nobody has called me.

And have you tried to contact them?

Neither.

Don’t you think that conversation is necessary?

They have my phone.

Do you expect to receive a call from the leaders?

I don’t expect anything. I am no one to tell others what they should do. I will always be willing to talk to anyone who respectfully approaches me.

The polls indicate that you barely exceed 10% in voting intentions. Do you consider yourself a competitive candidate to beat Irací Hassler?

Three weeks ago I was dialing 1, a week ago I was dialing 12, now I’m dialing 19. I think that answers your question.

There have been cross recriminations between you and right-wing leaders. Don’t you think that makes the path easier for Hassler to get re-election? What kind of relationship do they have?

I have never had cross recriminations with anyone, except with my political adversaries, but never with people from the center-right.

But you have accused that the responsibility of losing in the dispute for mayor of Santiago is theirs.

The only thing I have accused is that the people of Santiago were not asked who their candidate was going to be.

And who would be responsible for Hassler getting re-elected?

In my opinion, those who did not want to consult the people of Santiago in a timely manner.

Until now there have been struggles and lack of definition on the right that pave the way for Irací Hassler…

I sincerely hope that on October 27, on the ballot where the name of the candidate representing the opposition who will compete with Irací Hassler will be, there will be only one name.

And in that sense, are you willing to get off?

I am willing to make any sacrifice in pursuit of unity.

Would you accept if they offered you another position as core or councilor?

I haven’t even put myself in that scenario.