Evelyn Matthei, a presidential candidate in Chile, made several controversial statements that sparked criticism from the government, other political parties, and even fellow opposition candidates. Her comments regarding the necessity of the 1973 coup d'état and the inevitability of deaths, along with inaccurate statements about the number of security cameras at the Estadio Nacional, caused significant backlash.
Matthei attempted damage control with a video clarifying her stance on human rights violations, but the damage was done. Her comments also caused unease within Chile Vamos, particularly Evópoli, who viewed her remarks as a setback for the coalition. She postponed the announcement of a primary election within Chile Vamos because of internal disagreements.
The series of missteps prompted calls within Chile Vamos for a more structured campaign, with a focus on improving communication and preventing future errors. Several party members emphasized the need for a chief campaign manager and a stronger communication team to support Matthei's candidacy. The concerns highlight the challenges Matthei's campaign faces in addressing public perception and internal cohesion.