The Sociocultural Coordinator, Irina Karamanos, confirmed today that she will no longer preside over the boards of the foundations of the Presidency. The changes will be carried out gradually, and three ministries will be involved.
Broadly speaking, this measure implies that the chairpersons will be appointed by sectoral ministries, according to criteria of professional suitability for the roles. This represents an institutional innovation that seeks probity and modernization.
“The valuable work of other first ladies gave life to all these projects with a social and public role. Today, we are ensuring continuity by strengthening them through greater coordination with sectoral portfolios,” Ms. Karamanos explained.
Which foundations are involved?
There are currently six foundations anchored to the Presidency that are presided over by the Sociocultural Coordinator: Integra; PRODEMU; MIM; Artesanías; FOJI; and Chilenter.
Who will be in charge of appointing the chairpersons of these foundations?
The boards of these foundations have until now been chaired by the partner of the President – the First Lady. When the position is vacated, the Education, Women and Gender Equity, and Cultures, Arts and Heritage Ministries will appoint the chairpersons of the boards.
Why is this change important?
This statutory change will allow the election of the chairpersons to be carried out according to professional criteria and will provide stability to the programs of each foundation. This process of institutional innovation will be a great achievement for each foundation, placing value on their public role and recognizing the great contribution they make through their work. It will also contribute to improving each foundation and moving them closer to the respective ministries from which they receive their funds.
Will this imply a change to how these institutions function?
This statutory change refers only to who appoints the chairpersons of the boards – the ministries. There is no change associated with the employment status of the foundations’ workers. This change has been explained to the workers of each foundation and the proposal has been received in a positive way.
How long is this change expected to take?
The process will be gradual and talked through, as has been the hallmark of the Sociocultural Coordinator’s relationship with the foundations’ unions. The modification of the statutes of the Integra foundation was unanimously approved. This means that between now and the end of the year the First Lady will no longer chair the foundation’s board, and that from now on this role will be appointed by the Education Ministry.