Chile Elects Kast: A Right Turn 🗳️🔥

World News

José Antonio Kast Secures Chilean Presidential Run-Off, Signaling a Conservative Shift
Kast, drawing parallels to Donald Trump, has won the Chilean presidential run-off election, marking a significant ideological shift for the nation. His victory, securing 58% of the vote against Jeannette Jara's 42%, was fueled by promises of increased law enforcement and the expulsion of undocumented migrants, reflecting a deeply polarized electorate.

A Focus on Order and Security
Conservative hardliner José Antonio Kast, at 59, declared, “Chile needs order – order in the streets, in the state, in the priorities that have been lost,” during his victory speech, setting the tone for his administration. Kast’s platform prioritized public safety, promising a “iron-fisted” approach to crime and advocating for military deployment to high-crime areas and the construction of additional prisons, addressing a key concern revealed by a recent IPSOS poll showing 63% of Chilean voters prioritizing security.

Echoes of Pinochet and a Conservative Vision
Kast’s victory resonates within a broader context of right-wing gains in Latin America. Analyst Daniela Thiers noted, "Pablo Kast is the first president since the end of the dictatorship to have openly supported Pinochet,” highlighting the potential continuation of historically conservative policies. In contrast to Sebastian Pinera, the last right-wing president, who voted against Pinochet in 1988 and embraced progressive policies like same-sex marriage legalization, Kast’s stance is markedly conservative.

Immigration Policies and the Influence of the US Model
Kast’s ambitious immigration policies draw heavily from the US model, spearheaded by Lucero Rojas Kast, responsible for managing the US federal immigration system. He proposes constructing border infrastructure, mirroring the US’s approach, and vows to deport hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, a challenge Navia described as Kast's “biggest”. Navia estimates that as many as 400,000 undocumented immigrants reside in Chile, recognizing the impossibility of complete expulsion while acknowledging their economic contributions.

Potential for Controversy and a “State of Siege”
Kast’s vision extends to the Araucanía region, where he threatens a “state of siege,” granting the military sweeping powers, including warrantless searches and arrests and the suspension of civil rights – a measure designed to expel armed Indigenous groups. This potential escalation raises serious concerns about human rights and civil liberties.

International Reactions and Strategic Partnerships
Following the election, leaders worldwide offered congratulations and expressed intentions for partnerships. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa stated, “a new era is beginning for Chile and for the region,” while the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted a commitment to strengthening regional security and trade relations. Even the Spanish government announced its intention to continue fostering its strategic relationship with Chile.