🔗 Share this article Hardline Ex- Legislator J.A. Kast Chosen as Chile's New President. Following a conclusive runoff election, far-right figure José Antonio Kast has clinched the presidency in Chile. A Resounding Win With more than 99% of votes tallied, Kast garnered 58.17% of the vote, overcoming leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, who received 41.83%. This represents Kast's third attempt at the presidency, having previously been defeated by the sitting president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 final vote. Agenda Focused On Security and Immigration Known for his staunch Catholic views and admiration for the era of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast's electoral bid was largely built on promises to tackle rising insecurity and significantly restrict migration. He repeatedly blamed immigrants, especially the around 330,000 unauthorized individuals in Chile, for security issues. Throughout the election cycle, he gave an ultimatum for them to leave before the inauguration or face removal. His proposals included Trump-inspired measures such as building holding facilities, border walls, security fences, and strengthening the armed forces presence on the northern frontier. Part of a Continental Wave Several observers see Kast's win as fitting into a broader right-wing trend in South America, coming after recent electoral outcomes in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina. Nevertheless, other analysts additionally frame it as a part of the regular rotation of power between left-wing and right leadership since Chile's return to democracy in 1990. Governing Without a Clear Mandate Despite his sweeping popular vote triumph, Kast is not expected to command an absolute majority in Congress, not in the lower house or the Senate, even if various right-leaning parties are grouped together. This political situation could hinder his plans, including a promise to cut public spending by a significant sum within 18 months—a proposal for which he has not detailed concrete steps. "There are numerous questions about how a Kast administration will look like that we don't know because he has not explained his methods for do them," noted a political science professor. The expert continued, "Regarding the economy, it is almost certain we will see spending cuts common for the right. But the area with much less ambiguity is on public safety, because that has been his workhorse during the race."