Chilean Interior Undersecretary Máximo Pavez detailed the operation of the National Registry of Vandals and Incivilities earlier this month [1].

The new system aims to curb public misconduct by linking civic behavior to the receipt of state support. By creating a public record of sanctioned behaviors, the government intends to deter vandalism and restrict access to public funds for repeat offenders [1, 2].

Pavez said the registry is designed to punish those who commit acts of vandalism and incivility in public spaces [1]. According to the official, the sanctions associated with being placed on the list will last for up to five years [1, 3].

One of the most significant deterrents involves the potential loss of state benefits. Pavez said that individuals on the registry could lose their PGU, the Program of Guaranteed Income [2]. Additionally, the government may retain tax refunds for those listed [1].

Despite the severity of the financial penalties, Pavez clarified that the registry has specific limits regarding personal assets. He said that properties and vehicles cannot be registered within this system [1].

The undersecretary emphasized that the measures are not permanent. "No es para siempre," Pavez said [2].

The initiative follows an announcement made by President Kast during the public account of the government's activities on June 2 [2, 3]. The registry serves as a mechanism to discourage criminal conduct and ensure that those who damage public infrastructure face tangible consequences beyond traditional criminal sentencing [1, 2].

“"The sanction will last up to five years"”

The implementation of the National Registry of Vandals represents a shift toward 'behavioral conditionality' in Chile's social welfare system. By tying the Program of Guaranteed Income and tax returns to civic conduct, the government is utilizing economic leverage to maintain public order, moving beyond simple fines or incarceration to target the financial stability of repeat offenders.