Paulina Vodanovic's presidential candidacy for the Chilean Socialist Party (PS) has created significant disruption within the ruling coalition. Her critical tone towards the government and denial of unity with the PPD, who support Carolina Tohá, have surprised La Moneda, who expected a smoother primary.
La Moneda's primary strategy involved portraying coalition unity in contrast to the divided right-wing. Vodanovic's candidacy has undermined this plan, raising concerns that her campaign could harm the coalition's image and lead to a PC candidate winning. While La Moneda isn't overly concerned about Vodanovic defeating Tohá, they fear the overall impact on the primary.
Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde's role is crucial as a leading PS figure supporting Tohá. Despite maintaining a neutral stance publicly, his private communications with party members have reportedly encouraged a more cautious approach to the primary. Other government figures have also expressed similar sentiments.
Vodanovic's team attributes her critical tone to her personality and experience, stating that her primary challenge is to other candidates responding to her criticisms. They aim to maintain the government's neutrality in the primary.
The Partido Liberal withdrew its candidate, Vlado Mirosevic, due to concerns that Vodanovic's candidacy would split the vote and allow a PC candidate to win. The party will now support Tohá. The Partido Radical is also discussing whether to support Tohá or Vodanovic based on which provides better guarantees for parliamentary elections. Similar discussions are taking place within the DC.