Mario Desbordes Announced as Chile Vamos Coalition's Candidate for Mayor of Santiago

Mario Desbordes, a member of the Renovación Nacional party, has been selected as the Chile Vamos coalition's candidate for mayor of Santiago, Chile. The announcement was made by María José Hoffmann, the general secretary of the UDI party, who emphasized the importance of unity within the coalition to defeat the left-wing incumbent, Irací Hassler.

Desbordes, a former minister with a background in security and law enforcement, has pledged to focus on key issues such as safety, hygiene, and education in the city if elected. The decision to nominate him came after discussions within the Chile Vamos coalition, with Rodrigo Delgado, the UDI's initial choice, stepping aside to support Desbordes' candidacy in a show of unity.

Why this matters: The mayoral race in Santiago, Chile's capital and largest city, is seen as a key battleground between the ruling center-right Chile Vamos coalition and the left-wing opposition. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the balance of power in Chilean politics and the direction of the country's policies.

In a statement following his nomination, Desbordes said, "I am honored to be chosen as the Chile Vamos candidate for mayor of Santiago. I will work tirelessly to address the concerns of our citizens and make our city a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous place for all."

The mayoral election in Santiago is scheduled to take place later this year, with the exact date yet to be announced. Desbordes will face off against incumbent mayor Irací Hassler, who is seeking re-election on a left-wing platform focused on social justice and equity issues.

Key Takeaways

• Mario Desbordes selected as Chile Vamos coalition's candidate for Santiago mayor
• Desbordes, a former minister with security background, pledges to focus on safety, hygiene, and education
• Santiago mayoral race seen as key battleground between center-right and left-wing opposition
• Desbordes to face incumbent mayor Irací Hassler, who seeks re-election on a left-wing platform
• Mayoral election in Santiago scheduled for later this year, with exact date yet to be announced