My fellow Chileans,
We are all familiar with the story of Santandera. The great and glorious Santandera, hero of the second Chilean Republic and guiding inspiration of the third. He was the first casualty of the Imperial regime. But more than that, he was the first casualty of his own cabinet. He entered government in partnership with Cesar Roseno; he was then murdered at the latter’s hands. When faced with an autocratic president, he chose to stand firm rather than save himself. It is to this example that I appeal to now.
I was merely betrayed. The Republic was murdered. Democracy, the rule of law and the justice of humanity were all taken out into the streets and shot, one by one. A tyrant in republican clothing entered La Moneda, just as one did all those many years ago when Santandera was murdered. He has already disavowed loyalty to his friends and coalition partners; how long before he disavows loyalty to the Republic? If a man is so arrogant in victory that he betrays his erstwhile allies in public view, what will dissuade him from taking severer measures to shore up his presidency?
Men of Congreso. You have heard now, in length, the details of this sorry tale - a tale of intrigue and corruption, that has cast a shadow over the Republic. It is my utmost disappointment that I was ever a party to it. I can never atone for my actions. But I can put them right. I can redeem my attempts at personal advancement by attempting to now save the Republic. I can right the wrongs of my back-dealing during the elections. I can cast off my career and dedicate myself only to the destruction of the monstrous monolith that I helped build. I can do this, but only with your aid.
As Minister of the Interior, I hereby order the arrest of Senor Carlos Andonie on charges of electoral deception and fraud. I call upon the incoming Interior Minister, Senor Rivera, to assume the role of Provisional President.
All of Senor Andonie’s army appointments will proceed as normal. The new cabinet will remain the same. I do not dissolve the government, nor call for a new one. This action is aimed at no one but Senor Andonie, who has brought disgrace upon the Republic and the august office which he covets. He must be removed without bloodshed, so that corruption can be swept from La Moneda and new elections held to determine a new president. In his absence, Senor Rivera will become the Provisional President of the Republic.
Dios salve a la República! Por la razón o la fuerza!
- V. Severino
((TH has informed me that there are no provisions for impeachment, so that leaves one last resort:
This is a coup.
The current system will remain; the only difference is that Andonie will be deposed and Rivera will replace him as President. Everything else remains as normal.))