Gobierno aplica urgencia de discusión inmediata al proyecto que permite nuevo retiro de fondos de AFP

The Chilean government has invoked “urgencia de discusión inmediata,” or urgent discussion, to expedite a bill that would allow citizens to withdraw a second tranche of funds from their AFP (Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones), the privately managed pension funds. The move comes in response to public pressure and protests over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact on Chilean households. The bill would allow citizens who have already withdrawn 10% of their pension funds last year to withdraw another 10% up to a cap of $4,300. Critics of the bill argue that it would further erode savings for retirement and leave vulnerable members of society without a safety net. However, supporters say that people need the money now and should have the right to access their own savings. This latest development adds to the ongoing debate about Chile’s pension system and the role of private AFPs in providing retirement security. With the COVID-19 pandemic still posing economic challenges, this topic remains relevant and important to many Chileans.