Jose Antonio Kast won Chile’s presidential election. His victory ends more than three decades of rule by centre-left and centre-right coalitions. The shift marks a major change since the return to democracy in 1990.

Kast rose after years of political persistence. He benefited from a regional climate that favours tough positions on crime, borders and the economy. Chile will now have its first far-right president of the democratic era.

Third Attempt Brings Breakthrough

Kast secured the presidency on his third try. Voters had rejected him twice before.

In 2021, he lost to Gabriel Boric. At that time, mass protests, the pandemic and calls for a new constitution shaped public opinion. Voters wanted reform and protection. Kast’s focus on authority and conservatism failed to connect.

Four years later, public priorities changed. Kast won about 58 per cent of the runoff vote. Jeannette Jara, backed by the centre-left government, secured around 41 per cent.

Crime and Migration Shape Voter Mood

Chile remains one of Latin America’s safer countries. Even so, organised crime has become more visible. Kidnappings and assassinations increased. Communities felt unsafe.

Undocumented migration also surged. Many arrivals came from Venezuela. Public services felt the strain. Debates over borders and national identity intensified.

Economic growth slowed at the same time. These pressures helped Kast’s message gain support.

Campaign Focuses on Order and Control

Kast framed his campaign around restoring order. He accused the outgoing government of misrule.

“This government caused chaos, this government caused disorder, this government caused insecurity,” he said. “We’re going to do the opposite. We’re going to create order, security and trust.”

The message drew wide support. Business leaders liked his free-market views. Middle-class families feared rising crime. Far-right activists also rallied behind him.

Kast’s Background and Beliefs

Kast was born in Santiago. He grew up as the youngest of ten children. His parents were German immigrants. They ran a sausage business in Paine. Kast studied law at Chile’s Catholic University. He entered politics early.

He spent nearly 30 years in public life. He built a reputation for discipline. His legislative record remained limited. Kast is a devout Catholic. He has nine children. He has been married to Maria Pia Adriasola for over 30 years.

He opposes abortion in all cases. Kast also rejects emergency contraception, divorce, same-sex marriage and euthanasia. He spoke less about these issues during the campaign.

Break from the Traditional Right

Kast once belonged to the Independent Democratic Union. He later rejected its moderate stance. In 2016, he formed the Republican Party. He pushed harder lines on identity, law enforcement and values.

His first presidential run failed. He won less than 10 per cent of the vote. Support grew as public anger over crime and migration rose. In the latest campaign, Kast avoided divisive social debates. He focused on security and borders. The strategy widened his appeal.

Links to Pinochet Era Draw Scrutiny

Kast’s past remains controversial. His father belonged to the Nazi Party before fleeing to South America. Kast says conscription forced that link. His brother Miguel Kast served under Augusto Pinochet. Miguel helped push free-market reforms during the dictatorship.

As a student, Kast backed Pinochet in the 1988 referendum. Voters rejected it. Kast has also expressed admiration for Pinochet. Between 1973 and 1990, the dictatorship abused more than 40,000 people. Critics say Kast risks reviving authoritarian ideas.

Security and Borders Lead His Agenda

Kast built his platform on law and order. He promised tougher action on crime. He wants to expand police and military powers. Kast plans to protect officers who use force. He also seeks a larger military role in internal security.

Kast praised El Salvador’s anti-gang model. He visited its mega-prison. He proposed new high-security prisons in Chile. Migration stands as his second priority. He pledged mass deportations of undocumented migrants. Most are Venezuelans.

He wants a special police force to expel migrants. Kast also backs walls and barriers along the northern border. “Pack your things and leave,” he said during the campaign.

“They told us that they can’t close the borders and now we can’t open our windows for fear of violence,” he said.

Economic Plan Faces Hurdles

Kast promised sharp cuts to public spending. He said he would shrink the state payroll and close ministries. He insisted social benefits would stay.

Experts doubt the plan. They warn of risks to public services. Kast also promised lower corporate taxes. He wants looser labour rules. He aims to cut red tape.

Kast argues these steps will revive growth. Critics fear higher inequality. His party lacks a majority in Congress. He will need allies to pass laws.

Reactions After the Vote

Supporters celebrated across Chile. Crowds filled streets. Cars honked. Chants echoed. Some supporters carried photos of Pinochet. Kast urged calm. When boos broke out, he said, “Respect!”

He called the result a “broad mandate” and “a tremendous responsibility.” “We are inviting you on a journey to recover values for a proper and healthy life. It won’t be easy. It requires everyone’s commitment,” he said.

Jeannette Jara conceded defeat. “It is in defeat that we learn the most,” she said.

Global Response

Argentina’s President Javier Milei congratulated Kast. He wrote, “The left recedes.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the result. He said the US expects cooperation on security, migration and trade.