José Antonio Kast grows with promises of rigor against crime and migration, while opponents defend recent labor advances and warn of risks to civil rights
Chileans go to the polls divided in a second round marked by a shift to the right. For many, the country “descended into disaster” with the arrival of foreign gangs, the chaos of protests and economic stagnation. These are voters who are betting on , seen as capable of restoring “peace and tranquility” and containing crime and migration.
On the other side, there are those who see recent advances – shorter work weeks, higher minimum wages and a drop in homicides – and fear a setback. These voters defend and warn that Kast, the son of a member of the Nazi party, will “erase progress” in civil and social rights.
Polarization exposes what is at stake after 70% of the votes in the first round went to right-wing parties. Kast, in his third presidential attempt, grows up gripped by fear of crime. Former voters of Jara say that “it is time for drastic measures”.
After being defeated in 2021, Kast softened social issues and focused his speech on security and migration. It promises to deport migrants without legal status, expand police power and build more prisons, inspired by and . In the economy, he proposes cuts of US$6 billion, although his team admits that the adjustment could take longer.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
Published by Nícolas Robert
