Chilean Lawmaker Sparks Controversy with Falklands Comparison
By Editor • September 11, 2026 • 2 min read
In a parliamentary session that ignited diplomatic tensions, Chilean deputy Javier Olivares Avendaño drew a controversial parallel between British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and Chile's control of the Strait of Magellan. His remarks, made during a meeting of the National Defense Committee, run counter to the official stance of the Chilean government, which supports Argentina's claim to the disputed archipelago.
Olivares, who represents the People's Party, a center-right group founded in 2019, stated, “That is, just as the Falklands are English, the Strait of Magellan is Chilean.” This statement comes amidst a backdrop of diplomatic unease stemming from comments made by an Argentine military official regarding sovereignty over the Magellan Strait.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
The controversy was reignited on August 23 when Brigadier General Gustavo Javier Valverde of Argentina's air force referred to the Strait of Magellan and surrounding regions as areas of sovereignty for Argentina. Chile responded with a formal protest and reiterated its indisputable claim to the strait, grounded in treaties from 1881 and 1984.
Following discussions between the defense ministers of both nations, tensions appeared to ease, with Argentine Minister Carlos Presti attributing Valverde's comments to a misunderstanding. Nevertheless, disagreements resurfaced swiftly, prompted by remarks from Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Senator Patricia Bullrich, who spoke about Argentina's strategic objectives regarding the Strait.
Political Fallout in Chile
The fallout from these comments has mobilized the Chilean opposition, leading to a parliamentary vote that summoned Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna to appear before Congress on September 28. This marks a significant step as he will be the first minister in President José Antonio Kast's cabinet to face questioning over the matter, addressing issues that include the controversial Argentine decree 457/2021.
The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands remains a contentious issue between the UK and Argentina, with a 2013 referendum revealing that 99.8% of Falkland voters wished to maintain their status as a British overseas territory.
Source: en.mercopress.com
