Among the suspended measures that were awaiting implementation are a regulation limiting thermal power plant emissions, the creation of several national parks, and an order to safeguard Darwin's frog, a tiny, endangered amphibian species found in southern Chile and Argentina.

The ministry withdrew the decrees -- signed between 2023 and 2026 by the Boric administration -- while they were still under review by the comptroller general's office, one step prior to their entry into force, according to a document reported by the media and confirmed by the government.

"We want to create the best possible public policy regarding full employment, always respecting the environment," Kast said when asked by reporters about the scrapping of the decrees.

The decision was made last Thursday, a day after the 60-year-old, far-right leader took office.

In a statement, the environment ministry said the action aimed to ensure that authorities were in compliance with current technical and regulatory standards, "standard practice" for the start of a new administration.

"I understand there is concern," Kast said. "But I would invite you to look at what the public needs: growth, environmental protection, but above all, jobs. And this is in line with that."