translated from Spanish: Ossandón explained his absence in Judge Mera’s vote: “Yesterday afternoon I felt very bad. Apparently the aftermath of the coronavirus passed me the bill”

On Wednesday, the Senate Chamber rejected the nomination of Judge Raúl Mera, who was nominated by President Sebastián Piñera to join the Supreme Court.This after his nomination won 28 votes in favor and 14 against, so he did not reach the required quorum of 2/3, that is, 29 votes. The defeat of the Government came after Senator Manuel José Ossandón (RN) did not show up to vote in the session, what was questioned by Justice Minister Hernán Larraín.Larraín on his Twitter account noted this morning that “an official senator’s failure in the performance of his duty and the vote against the judicial independence of 14 opposition senators, cause serious harm to an unimpeachable person and justice.” After this, Ossandón in a statement stated that “unfortunately yesterday afternoon I felt very bad. Apparently the aftermath of the coronavirus passed me the bill and I was unable to go to the vote,” according to La Tercera, he added that “I understand the repercussions that this had, but the discomfort I had was superior and at this time I must take extreme care of my health”. For his part, RN President Rafael Prohens said that after speaking with Ossandón”he told me that during yesterday afternoon he had a feeling of discomfort, assisted the doctor with a delicate increase in pressure, so they recommended absolute rest and medication.” We look forward to its early recovery and participation in the forthcoming votes, which will no doubt be central to advancing the legislative agenda,” he added. However, UDI President Jacqueline van Rysselberghe harshly criticized Senator RN, ruling that “I find it frankly unpresentable. There’s no justification, even if it hurt his head. Many times we have been with a headache, important people who were even sick have come for the vote.” It should be remembered that after the rejection of Raúl Mera’s nomination, the Supreme Court will have to propose a new name for the candidate quina. After this, President Piñera must choose a name that will be proposed again to the Senate.

Original source in Spanish