25,000 Public Officials in Chile Take Sick Leave for Overseas Travel and Second Jobs... 'Discipline Crisis' Erupts

Chilean Comptroller General Announces Audit Results
Over 25,000 Public Officials Found to Have Misused Sick Leave
Wave of Resignations Among High-Ranking Officials, Including Judges, as Scandal Unfolds

A large number of Chilean public officials have been found to have abused sick leave (vacation) to travel abroad or work in private companies, resulting in chaotic work performance. As the so-called "sick leave scandal" spreads, distrust toward the public sector in Chile appears to be growing.

A large number of Chilean public officials were found to have taken sick leave (vacation) to travel abroad or work in private companies, resulting in chaotic work performance. Provided by the Chilean Comptroller General's Office

According to Yonhap News, citing local media, on May 29 (local time), the Chilean Comptroller General's Office announced that, as a result of an audit of the work practices of central and local governments and public institutions in 2023-2024, it had identified more than 25,000 public officials from 777 ministries and agencies who had misused sick leave, and that additional investigations are underway. According to Yonhap News, local media such as 'La Tercera' reported that the misuse of sick leave included cases such as studying abroad or traveling with family, working in private companies, and monitoring their own start-up businesses from overseas.

Dorothy Perez Gutierrez, who was appointed Comptroller General last November with the consent of the Senate, is a lawyer by training and the first woman to head Chile's audit institution. Comptroller Perez explained, "It is estimated that the number of public officials involved in this audit reaches 25,000," and added, "We have never before conducted an audit of this scale and systematic nature, mobilizing internal systems and technological capabilities."

The incident, known as the "sick leave scandal," is having a significant social impact. In just a few days since the controversy erupted, about 1,100 public officials have resigned, including judges and high-ranking officials at the deputy minister level in government ministries. According to current media reports, these individuals have stated, "We are not related to the sick leave issue," but also explained, "We are stepping down due to even the slightest possibility."

Gabriel Boric, President of Chile. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

While Chilean citizens are strongly criticizing the public sector, some analysts suggest that this situation could become a major setback for the ruling party ahead of the presidential election scheduled for November. In particular, as it was found that 69% of sick leave certification documents were issued by institutions related to the National Health Insurance Fund (FONASA), which is the public healthcare system, there are concerns that this could escalate into a major power abuse scandal with even greater repercussions for the government.

Gabriel Boric, whose term as president ends in March next year, stated on his social media, "Everyone in the central government who has inappropriately used sick leave must undergo disciplinary procedures, and there will be no exceptions."