Chile’s voters chose José Antonio Kast, a 59‑year‑old veteran, over a left‑wing candidate, marking a sharp rightward shift in a country that has struggled with rising crime and economic disappointment.
The Election
In Sunday’s runoff, Kast secured a landslide win against Jeannette Jara, the Communist Party candidate. Kast’s campaign emphasized crime and immigration as key issues, while Jara’s lifelong membership in the Communist Party was seen by many voters as too radical.
Regional Context
Chile’s result follows a broader pattern in South America, where voters have strengthened mandates for hard‑right leaders such as Argentina’s Javier Milei, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, Bolivia’s Rodrigo Paz, and Peru’s right‑wing candidates ahead of next year’s elections.
Kast’s Profile
Kast, who has long expressed nostalgia for the 17‑year military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, opposes same‑sex marriage legalization and has advocated a constitutional abortion ban. He has praised El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele for crime‑fighting tactics and pledged to cut $6 billion from the budget in 18 months, while promising not to touch social benefits.
He defended the free‑market institutions that have guided Chile’s economy for 35 years of democracy and described himself as a moderate during the campaign.
International Reactions
U.S. President Donald Trump called Kast “a very good person” and said he “look[s] forward to paying respects to him.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio later noted a phone call with Kast to discuss “expanding economic ties and ending illegal immigration.”
Kast’s campaign also announced a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday to meet Milei about security and immigration.
Key Takeaways
- Kast won a landslide victory in Chile’s runoff, reflecting a regional shift toward hard‑right leaders.
- His platform centers on crime, immigration, and fiscal austerity, while rejecting abortion and same‑sex marriage legalization.
- Trump and U.S. officials have publicly supported Kast, highlighting the influence of the U.S. right on Latin America.
Chile’s new president‑elect now faces the challenge of uniting a divided country while addressing the pressing concerns of crime and immigration that drove voters to Kast’s ballot box.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
