Jose Antonio Kast, the 59-year-old leader of the far-right Republican Party, is rising to center stage in Chile’s political landscape. He is preparing the ground for a polarizing, second round presidential run-off election. Kast has run an aggressive right-wing campaign focused heavily on crime and undocumented migration. He brands himself as the most conservative conservative alternative to all his opponents. Nevertheless, his ascent to power comes at a time of dangerous insecurity and bad governance across the west African country. This sets the stage for a frenzied atmosphere as the election draws near.
Kast’s campaign is proposing to eliminate $6 billion in public spending in the first year and a half. He promises to keep social benefits completely untouched. He has pledged to deport at least 300,000 undocumented migrants and to enlarge the military’s functions in fighting organized crime. This new tack plays into the fears of an anti-immigration, safety-first electorate sure to turn out in droves.
Kast’s political past raises eyebrows. In his youth, he fiercely defended former dictator Augusto Pinochet. Now, of course, he tries to avoid any mention that his father was a Nazi collaborator as part of his campaign. His record of social conservatism understandably alarms advocates for women’s rights, particularly in rolling back reproductive rights. This has raised alarms among stakeholder groups, including Congresswoman Lorena Fries.
A Polarized Political Climate
As Kast gets ready for the run-off election, analysts say such a victory would be the first time in 35 years, since Chile returned to democracy, that Chilean politics would be radically transformed. His party does not hold a congressional majority, meaning he will need to negotiate with more moderate right-wing allies if elected.
Kast ended up with 24 percent of the vote in Chile’s first round election, a significant showing. More importantly, he made a strong appeal to right-wing voters that no other Republican had found this cycle. He’s done a remarkable job bringing these warring factions together, but in so doing has become the odds-on favorite for Round 2. That’s left many asking exactly how he’ll govern if he’s elected.
“A vote that, if polls are right, will veer Chile in the same direction as many of its conservative neighbours.” – Lucia Newman
Concerns Over Social Policies
Kast’s social policies have created panic among marginalized groups, especially women. Lorena Fries has expressed concerns that Kast’s vision for family dynamics could disadvantage women in both public and political spheres. The implications of his brand of social conservatism would bring up serious backlash against feminist achievements and gender parity in Chile.
Kast has created a deep well of support. Voters see him as the important antidote to worsening crime and immigration crises. On the policy stuff, his rhetoric often tracks closely with that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and indeed the former U.S. This move keeps DeSantis in line with Trump’s law-and-order agenda and adds to his appeal among conservative primary voters who strongly support this theme.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming election will be a defining moment of Chile’s democratic future. The nation must decide whether to continue on its current path or embrace a more conservative direction under Kast’s leadership. His plans for mass deportations and a heavy handed, law-and-order agenda promise to realign domestic policy entirely. As such, they will change Chile’s ties with its South American neighbors.
As the run-off arrives, Kast will be faced with a deep political double-edged sword of enthusiasm and repudiation. His capacity to work with the moderate right may well prove central to whether he leads effectively if he claims victory.
