President Piñera announces cabinet change amid COVID-19 outbreak

SANTIAGO – President Sebastian Piñera on Thursday announced a cabinet reshuffle amid a rise in the novel coronavirus cases in Chile.

Preliminary it was reported that the ceremony could be carried out telematically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the President announced the reshuffle at the the Palacio de La Moneda.

 

Claudio Alvarado has become the new General Secretariat of the Presidency, replacing Felipe Ward, who has been made the Minister for Housing and Urbanism.

The former minister, Cristián Monckeberg has been given the portfolio of Social Development and Family. He will replace Sebastián Sichel, who will now preside over the State Bank (BancoEstado).

Despite constant questioning by the opposition about his management during the health crisis, Health Minister Jaime Mañalich remains in office.

This is the fourth time the President has made changes to his cabinet.

Chile exceeds 1,350 deaths from coronavirus, with over 118,000 cases