For Deputy Sebastián Videla, the State of Constitutional Exception has collaborated enormously in preventing the migratory crisis from escalating. However, in his opinion, the visit of the Ministry of the Interior authorities to Colchane and Ollagüe, places where the parliamentarian has been on the ground in recent weeks, is imperative.
“I really hope that in these next few days the government and some of its ministers come to the field to find out what is happening with the situation at the borders. It cannot be transformed into a mere fact that 18 people died in 2021… We are facing a humanitarian crisis and we must rise to the occasion as one of the leading countries in the region”.
The congressman for the Antofagasta Region maintains that the fight must also be against drug trafficking and all the criminal organizations that move in the area. “The central power is also responsible for citizen security.”
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What is your position on the Silala River litigation in The Hague?
– The position of our country is more than correct. It is an international river that has maintained its binational flow for years. We trust that the Chilean team that is in the International Court will carry forward, and in a very good way, Chile’s position, because it is made up of very competent professionals on the subject.
What do you think of the actions taken by the Bolivian government in the face of the Silala conflict?
– This conflict was a campaign against our country by former President Evo Morales. First it was the sovereign outlet of the sea and, now, the Silala River. Morales made bad policy and used an artificial discussion for his own benefit. Both countries cannot afford to waste money in the midst of a pandemic and in the face of an economic outlook with a lot of ad porta uncertainty. Actions like yours do not help restore the important ties between the two countries.
How was the experience of being on the border, knowing the migratory situation of the north? How do you evaluate the government’s work in this area, mainly in that area?
– The State of Constitutional Exception has collaborated enormously in preventing the migratory crisis from worsening. However, a visit by the Ministry of the Interior authorities to Colchane and Ollagüe, places where I have been on the ground in recent weeks, is imperative, because it is essential to know these areas to know what is happening. I am from the north and I maintain that the north has been abandoned for many years. It is enough that promises are given, as in previous governments, that they did nothing in terms of migration issues. I really hope that in these next few days the government and some of its ministers will come to the field to find out what is happening with the situation at the borders. It cannot be transformed into a mere fact that 18 people died in 2021… We are facing a humanitarian crisis and we must rise to the occasion as one of the leading countries in the region.
– The failed border control also has other resonances, such as crime…
– Both issues are particularly related to the theft of vehicles with slamming doors in Antofagasta and Calama, to later be taken to Bolivia through unauthorized passageways, and they disappear without anyone doing anything. If we add minor crimes to this, such as robbery and theft, I can say that leaving your house in Antofagasta is something you think twice about… But it is not something that we discover now, the fight must also be against the drug trafficking and all the criminal organizations that move in the area. The central power is also responsible for citizen security.
– What proposals are you working on as the axis of your legislative work?
– Today we are working hard on the new Autism Law. It is necessary that this be analyzed soon, because it will benefit hundreds of children and adolescents, but also their parents and grandparents… The reality is harsh in many cases, that is why I constantly repeat that people with ASD do not they can keep waiting. Mental health is an issue that is hidden and must be addressed. We must say present as legislators and as a society. If we all improve in health, we will have a better country, without a doubt…
