Chile's Electoral Shift: Far-Right José Antonio Kast Wins Presidency

Mon Dec 15 2025 14:34:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

José Antonio Kast, the far-right candidate, has secured victory in Chile's presidential elections, marking a significant political rightward shift in the nation. He promises to tackle crime and immigration issues as he prepares to take office in March 2026.

In a decisive election, far-right candidate José Antonio Kast has emerged victorious in Chile, defeating the left-wing candidate Jeanette Jara with over 58% of the vote. His election signals a notable conservative shift in Chilean politics, as he vows to address crime and immigration issues with strict measures. Kast's campaign drew on a narrative of increasing insecurity, resonating with voters despite criticisms of exaggeration. His controversial admiration for the former dictator Augusto Pinochet has sparked concerns about a return to a far-right past, as he promises significant changes in governance. Kast will assume the presidency on March 11, 2026.

Chile's Electoral Shift: Far-Right José Antonio Kast Wins Presidency

Chile has elected the far-right wing José Antonio Kast to be its next president, after an election campaign that was dominated by themes of security, immigration, and crime.

Kast beat the governing left-wing coalition candidate Jeanette Jara decisively with more than 58% of the vote in his third attempt at running for president.

This marks the biggest shift to the right since the end of Chile's military dictatorship in 1990. Kast has openly praised Chile's former right-wing dictator, Augusto Pinochet.

In his first speech to supporters as president-elect, Kast stated, Chile will once again be free from crime, free from anguish, free from fear. He pledged to crack down on crime and immigration, reflecting a narrative of increasing insecurity that resonated with many voters.

Joy was palpable at Kast's victory party, where supporters expressed hope for a more secure and patriotic future for Chile. Kast vowed to restore order and address irregular immigration, aligning his policies with those of right-wing figures like Donald Trump.

Despite Chile's current status as one of South America's safer countries, rising immigration and crime have fueled demands for change among voters like Augustina Trancoso, who donned a red Make Chile Great Again cap.

Critics of Kast argue that the perceived issues of insecurity are exaggerated. Some voters still prefered the left-wing candidate Jara, who represented a continuity of the current government but faced challenges due to low approval ratings for President Gabriel Boric.

Kast's win continues a broader trend in Latin America towards right-wing governments, joining shifts seen in Argentina, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.

As Kast prepares to assume office on March 11, 2026, both supporters and opponents remain polarized about what lies ahead for Chile.