Government's Strategic Maneuvers to Support Minister Rabat Amid Crisis
On October 23, 2026, the Moroccan government, led by President Kast, took decisive action to bolster the support of Justice Minister Fernando Rabat amidst escalating opposition criticism concerning the reduction of sentences for 56 individuals convicted of sexual offenses against minors. As the crisis unfolded over three days, the government shifted its strategy from a purely legal defense to a comprehensive political damage control initiative. This shift included a high-level meeting where President Kast convened leaders from the ruling parties, signaling a united front to address the growing backlash. In a concerted effort to regain public trust, the government announced a temporary freeze on the processing of decrees that could still be halted, while also committing to an immediate legislative discussion on related projects in the Congress.
Significance of the Political Climate and Legislative Actions
The importance of these developments cannot be overstated, as they mark the first explicit rallying of support for Minister Rabat from government officials in the face of significant opposition scrutiny. Prior to this meeting, there had been a noted absence of defense for Rabat's actions regarding the sentencing adjustments, which had been legally sanctioned by the Justice Ministry between March and September. The opposition, which is now preparing its most formidable challenge against a minister since President Kast took office, is contemplating a constitutional accusation against Rabat, with a decision expected to be made on October 28.
In the wake of this political turmoil, Justice Minister Rabat has actively engaged with various media outlets to present his defense, emphasizing that his actions were based on widely accepted jurisprudence from the Supreme Court. However, his legal rationale faced setbacks, as the Supreme Court's president did not endorse the existence of a solid legal doctrine supporting his decisions. Meanwhile, the deputy minister, Gonzalo Arenas, has shifted the discourse from a legal standpoint to a political one, asserting that the government prioritizes the protection of minors and that Rabat's adherence to the law aligns with the Constitution. This narrative aims to reinforce the government’s anti-crime stance and safeguard the minister's position in light of the opposition's criticisms.
As legislators prepare for a special session where Minister Rabat will need to clarify his position, the government's strategy hinges on the timely introduction of new legislation to address the concerns raised by the opposition. The outcome of this political showdown will be pivotal in determining whether the government's protective measures for Rabat can withstand the scrutiny of Congress and public opinion.
As reported by ex-ante.cl.
