EXPLAINERNews|ElectionsWho is Jose Antonio Kast, Chile’s newly elected far-right leader?The president-elect has vowed to tackle crime and tighten immigration policies as he takes over from leftist incumbent Gabriel Boric.
Jose Antonio Kast of the Republican Party has emerged victorious in Chile's presidential run-off election, obtaining 58 percent of the vote against left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara, who received 42 percent. This result signifies a significant shift in…
Jose Antonio Kast of the Republican Party has emerged victorious in Chile's presidential run-off election, obtaining 58 percent of the vote against left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara, who received 42 percent. This result signifies a significant shift in the political landscape of Chile.
Kast's campaign focused on the expulsion of undocumented migrants and a strong stance against crime. Despite finishing second in the first round, Kast secured his position in the December run-off with substantial support from right-wing constituents. He is set to assume office on March 11, 2026.
Kast has previously run for the presidency, notably losing to President Gabriel Boric in 2021 with 44 percent of the vote. His political career includes over a decade as a congressman for the center-right Independent Democratic Union (UDI) before founding the more conservative Republican Party in 2019.
Born in Santiago in 1966 to German immigrant parents, Kast trained as a lawyer before entering politics. He is married to Maria Pia Adriasola and has nine children.
This result signifies a significant shift in the political landscape of Chile.
Kast's platform emphasizes public safety, proposing military deployment to high-crime areas and the construction of additional prisons. An October IPSOS poll indicated that 63 percent of Chilean voters prioritized security.
Kast advocates for stringent immigration controls, proposing a police force modeled after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He has expressed intentions to construct infrastructure along Chile's northern border to manage immigration.
Regional allies have expressed support for Kast's victory, viewing it as part of a broader conservative trend in Latin America. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated a willingness to collaborate with Kast's administration on regional security and trade matters.
Kast's election is seen as indicative of a regional shift towards conservative governance. This aligns with a broader global trend where voters are increasingly supporting opposition figures promising significant change.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
