"Kast ran almost exclusively on public security and immigration, warning that Chile is in "crisis" and promising to form what he has called an "emergency" government. His message struck a chord in a country shaken by a recent surge in violent crime and growing unease over undocumented migration. A staunch admirer of former dictator Augusto Pinochet, Kast will become the first president since Chile's return to democracy in 1990 to openly support the military regime."
"With over 95% of ballots counted, Kast, the leader of the Republican Party, secured roughly 58% of the vote. His rival, Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara, who received just over 41% of the vote, called to concede defeat and wrote on social media, "Democracy spoke loud and clear." Outgoing President Gabriel Boric also phoned Kast to congratulate him. As results were confirmed, the streets erupted with honking car horns, and crowds waving Chilean flags packed one of Santiago's wealthiest districts,"
Jose Antonio Kast, leader of the Republican Party, won roughly 58% of the vote in the presidential runoff. Jeannette Jara received just over 41% and conceded. Outgoing President Gabriel Boric phoned Kast to congratulate him. The campaign focused on public security and immigration, with Kast promising an "emergency" government and ordering undocumented migrants to leave by March 11, 2026, under threat of deportation or prosecution. Kast admires Augusto Pinochet and will be the first president since Chile's return to democracy in 1990 to openly support the military regime. His victory follows years of left-of-center rule and echoes regional trends prioritizing security and migration.
Read at www.npr.org
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]