Manuel Bunster

Manuel Bunster Carmona (25 November 1911 – 14 June 1985) was a Chilean farmer and politician affiliated with the Liberal Party.

He served as Deputy of the Republic for the 19th Departmental Grouping – Laja, Mulchén, and Nacimiento – during the legislative period 1961–1965.

Biography Born in Concepción on 25 November 1911, he was the son of Manuel Bunster Villagra and Laura Carmona Ibieta. He married Gabriela Paloma Correa Muñoz on 4 May 1935, and they had four children: Manuel, Verónica, Pablo, and Felipe.

He studied at the Instituto Andrés Bello in Santiago and completed his education in England. He dedicated his life to agricultural activity, being a member of the Comunidad Bunster Carmona and owner of the 9,600-hectare “Canadá” estate in the province of Malleco. He was also a partner in the firm Gabriel Bunster Hnos., proprietors of the “Rihue” and “San Pedro” estates totaling 4,300 hectares in Biobío Province.

Political career A member of the Liberal Party, Bunster began his public career as councilman (regidor) of the Municipality of Nacimiento between 1935 and 1938. Later, he served as councilman for the Municipality of Negrete in three consecutive terms (1953–1956, 1956–1960, and 1960–1961).

He was elected Deputy for the 19th Departmental Grouping “Laja, Mulchén, and Nacimiento” for the legislative period 1961–1965. During his tenure, he served as a substitute member on the Permanent Commissions of Internal Government and Social Welfare and Hygiene, and as a full member of the Permanent Commission on Public Works and Roads.

Alongside other parliamentarians, he co-sponsored a bill amending the national housing plan under D.F.L. No. 2 of 1959, which established new surface area limits for low-income housing. The motion became Law No. 15.073 on 20 December 1962.

He was a member of the National Agriculture Society (SNA).

Bunster passed away in Santiago on 14 June 1985.