Invitations

El Libero, Saturday, August 31, 2019

Dear Director,

On Friday the 23rd, the Communist Party reported the trip of five of its deputies to China until August 31, and most importantly, it was indicated that they had been invited at no cost to them or the Chamber of Deputies. Aside from El Mercurio de Santiago, it seems that no one else has paid attention to this trip. Two reflections on this matter: nothing is free in this world, and assuming that there is no cost is incorrect, especially when it involves China or any power with interests in Chile. Regardless of the party affiliation, when it comes to deciding issues related to that country, this Chinese invitation restricts their freedom of action. Secondly, the current compliance standards required of companies and organizations discourage this type of gift due to the commitments and loss of independence it entails. Therefore, I believe it would be reasonable for these standards to also apply to those in positions elected by the people, who vote on our international treaties and decide our future. If it is truly in the interest of the Communist Party or Chile for the deputies to travel, and in order to avoid potential negative externalities, it would be advisable for the Communist Party, Congress, or the deputies themselves to pay for the trip directly out of their own pockets, in the event that they are only going for leisure.

Richard Kouyoumdjian
Vice President, AthenaLab

Source: El Líbero