Veronica Serrano, former head of Precarious Settlements of the Minvu and aunt of the current head of advisors to the Presidency, Miguel Crispideclared this Thursday before the Prosecutor’s Office – as a witness – for the noisy case Democracia Vivaone of the key aspects of the scandal of agreements with foundations.
Before delivering his statement, Serrano spoke briefly with the media, ensuring that She has no influence in the delivery of funds to this foundation. and that if he expedited the conclusion of these agreements it was because «Antofagasta had a delay greater than that of all regions (…) there was a delay of a high percentage in budget execution.»
«Executing the budget does not just mean spending money, it means bringing attention to the camps, therefore, the task was not being done. That was my concern and that is why I rushed not only to Antofagasta, but to all the regions in what corresponds to them to do«said the former official.
He also clarified that «The agreements are signed by the regions, the seremis, I have no power over your decision.«, so – he reiterated – she has «no link with the decision that was made about Living Democracy or any foundation.»
Regarding the questioning of his nephew about this scandal, Serrano warned that he still «wonders it» and that he does not understand the objective of the questioning: «Anyone who sees the background can perfectly realize that This makes no sense, no reason to exist«, commented Serrano, who previously testified before the PDI Economic Crimes Investigative Brigade.
«INCREDIBLE» CONTRERAS’ CLAIM
Finally, the former leader of Precarious Settlements questioned the offensive of former seremi Carlos Contreras – accused in the Democracia Viva case – against himpointing out that it seems «incredible that he complains because (it is detected that) he is not doing his job and someone tells him, ‘hey, you are late in doing your job,’ when it is his responsibility to do it.»
«Another thing very different is the decision he makes about who to hire and why.«What motivations she had, I don’t know, that’s what I assume is what is being investigated,» said Serrano, who closed by assuring that she only did her job.
The deputy Catalina Pérez will testify this Fridaywhile the Minister of Housing, Carlos Montes, he did it tonight.
[Video] Living Democracy Case: Minister Montes testified tonight before the Prosecutor’s Office and retired without speaking to the press #CooperativeWithYou https://t.co/4JRnZRonYS pic.twitter.com/XgkK15MhsN
— Cooperative (@Cooperative) April 19, 2024
«VERY QUIET; I ANSWERED ALL THE QUESTIONS»
After more than three hours of appearance, Serrano spoke briefly with the press as he left the Prosecutor’s Office: «For me it was very important to clarify everything that was necessary and I answered all the questions that anyone could ever formulate about this,» he said of the diligence.
«I am very calm, «I came as a witness, I contributed to the questions they asked me, clarifying everything that was necessary and I am leaving with great peace of mind and very satisfied that I was able to clarify all the points,» she concluded.
After his departure, Minister Montes entered the Prosecutor’s Office to give a statement.
«WILLINGNESS HAS BEEN MANIFESTED»
Regarding this new round of statements, the head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Eugenio Camposassured that «each of the people mentioned -without indicating the individualization of those, by the way-, They will appear at the call of the Prosecutor’s Office without any inconvenience«.
«What’s more, for everyone’s peace of mind, They have expressed their full willingness to collaborate with the proceedings we are carrying out.«he highlighted.
From Congress, the deputy RN Jose Miguel Castrowho led the investigative commission of the agreements case, noted that «it’s necessary that, once and for all, the truth be known«, accusing that «there have been statements, words that contradict each other from senior and former government officials.»
«In that sense, The Prosecutor’s Office has to give indications of who has told the truth, in front of Congress and in front of all citizens«, closed the parliamentarian.