by Jack Diffley
Marking a dramatic political shift, far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast has won Chile’s presidency, riding a wave of conservative momentum across Latin America. His hardline stance on crime and immigration signals major policy changes ahead
Jose Antonio Kast, leader of Chile’s Republican Party, has secured the presidency after a decisive runoff election win, becoming the 38th president of the South American nation. With nearly all votes counted on Sunday night, Kast emerged victorious with 58% of the vote, defeating Jeannette Jara, the Communist Party candidate backed by the centre-left coalition Unity for Chile.
The result signals a profound political shift in Chile, as Kast becomes the first far-right leader to take office since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship in 1990. It also underscores a broader trend across Latin America, where conservative and far-right candidates have recently scored major victories — most notably in Argentina with Javier Milei and in Ecuador with Daniel Noboa.
Jara conceded shortly after polls closed. In a message posted to social media, she acknowledged the result: “Democracy has spoken loud and clear. I have just spoken with President-elect [Kast] to wish him success for the good of Chile.”
Kast, in his victory speech, described the win as a mandate for change. “This is not a personal achievement, nor is it a party achievement,” he told a cheering crowd. “Chile won here — with the hope of no longer living in fear, of a Chile that works.”
The 59-year-old lawyer and longtime political figure had previously run unsuccessfully for president twice, including a 2021 loss to outgoing President Gabriel Boric. But this election proved different. With Boric’s approval ratings slipping to around 30% by the end of his term and rising public concerns over crime and immigration, Kast’s promises of security and order resonated with many voters.
His platform, known as the “Implacable Plan,” proposes a sweeping crackdown on crime, including mass deportations, harsher sentencing laws, and isolating drug cartel leaders in maximum-security prisons. “Today, while criminals and drug traffickers walk freely through the streets, honest Chileans are locked in their homes,” Kast warned in his campaign literature.
Kast’s socially conservative views — shaped by his Catholic faith — have also drawn controversy. He opposes abortion in all circumstances, including in cases of rape, and has publicly defended aspects of Chile’s military dictatorship under Pinochet. While Kast has recently sought to moderate his tone, he once claimed, “If [Pinochet] were alive, he would vote for me.”
Critics have also pointed to his family history: Kast’s father, Michael Martin Kast, was a member of the Nazi Party in Germany before immigrating to Chile in 1950.
Despite these contentious elements, Kast was able to unify the fractured right wing during the runoff campaign. In the first round on November 16, he placed second to Jara, earning 23.9% of the vote versus her 26.8%. But with no formal primary on the right, Kast consolidated support from rival conservative factions to clinch a comfortable win in the second round.
Still, Kast’s legislative path may be challenging. He will face a divided National Congress, likely curbing some of his more aggressive proposals.
Chile’s presidential election this year was notable for being the first with mandatory voting since 2012, bringing millions to the polls. Roughly 15.7 million Chileans were eligible to vote.
International reactions were swift. Leaders across the right-wing political spectrum offered congratulations. Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrated Kast’s victory as “one more step for our region in defense of life, liberty, and private property.” Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa declared that “a new era is beginning for Chile and for the region.” In the U.S., former Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the result as an opportunity to strengthen regional security ties.
Kast will officially assume office on March 11, inheriting a country sharply divided politically but increasingly anxious for action on public safety, economic stability, and national identity.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved
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