Chilean presidential candidate the opposition figure signed a reform that makes drug consumption a ground for removal from public office. He said the measure has to be firm. Lawmaker Mulet asked that a bill letting authorities seize assets without a trial be pushed forward fast and pledged fast movement on the disqualification bill.

The opposition's no show at the signing was deliberate, Jorge Alessandri said, framing it as a deliberate statement. The coalition wanted highlight disagreements over the new drug rules.

One national paper reported that the Mapuche territorial dispute has entered a precarious phase under the contender's potential rule. The growing unrest strains his bill package as civic friction deepens. Observers say that a policy logjam could intensify the unrest for the winner of the vote.