Chile has elected right-wing politician José Antonio Kast as president following a decisive runoff victory on Sunday, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Kast won 58% of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Jeannette Jara, who secured 42%.
Kast, a 59-year-old father of nine, prevailed on his third attempt at the presidency. He ran on a platform focused on restoring public security, tightening border controls, and addressing near-record crime levels, which have risen following the Covid-19 pandemic, violent social unrest, and an influx of foreign organised crime groups.
“Chile wanted change,” he told thousands of elated supporters Sunday evening, vowing to “restore respect for the law.”
During his victory speech to supporters gathered at the headquarters of his Republican Party in Santiago, Kast emphasised the importance of security as a foundation of democratic life. “Without security, there is no peace. Without peace, there is no democracy, and without democracy, there is no freedom, and Chile will return to be free of crime, anxiety, and fear,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that there were “no magical solutions” and that progress would require perseverance and time.
His campaign included proposals to expel hundreds of thousands of migrants residing illegally in the country, seal the northern border, deploy the military to high-crime areas, and revive the stalled economy.
Supporters celebrated across Santiago, waving flags and sounding car horns, while small demonstrations against Kast were reported in the capital. International congratulations followed quickly, including messages from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Kast’s victory adds to a series of recent electoral successes by right-wing leaders across Latin America.
