The request for the deputy Mercedes Bulnes (indp), currently undergoing cancer treatment, was replaced on the Ethics Commission by his colleague Patricio Rosas (indep) was rejected by the opposition and some independent parliamentarians, generating criticism and controversy in the political sphere.
The decision was announced by Congressman Jorge Brito (RD) via X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed his outrage: “The miserable right rejected the replacement of our colleague Mercedes Bulnes, who is suffering from cancer and chemotherapy, with Congressman Rosas, while her treatment lasts.””.
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Specifically, the rejection of the replacement of Deputy Bulnes was carried out by 68 votes in favor, 23 against and 21 abstentions.
Among the votes that denied the change is Jorge Alessandri (UDI), Juan Antonio Coloma (UDI), Chiara Barchiesi (Republican), José Meza (Republican), Camila Flores (RN), Jorge Durán (RN) and Gonzalo de la Carrera (Indep), among others.
Mercedes Bulnes, independent deputy with a quota from the Democratic Revolution Party for Maule, confirmed his cancer diagnosis in a video posted on social networkslast May 29. Despite her condition and the need to undergo chemotherapy, the parliamentarian has shown a strong commitment to continuing her legislative work. “I am going to continue working as I have always done. I have strength and energy to do it. I am sure that we will move forward,” she stated in the record.
The announcement of his illness caused a wave of support and solidarity in the political sphere. President Gabriel Boric was one of the first to express his support publicly: “Dear colleague, your lifelong courage gives us hope that you will be able to overcome this disease. It is also an honor that, as you told me, you receive care in the public system like the vast majority of Chileans. Giant hug, Mercedes!
Despite the signs of support, the refusal of the opposition and some independent deputies to allow Bulnes’ temporary replacement on the Ethics Commission means that the congresswoman is expected to attend the sessions.
