🔗 Share this article Far-Right Former Legislator José Antonio Kast Voted In as Chile's Incoming Head of State. After a definitive second-round vote, hardline figure José Antonio Kast has won the top job in Chile. A Resounding Triumph With over 99% of polling stations reporting, Kast secured 58.17% of the ballots, beating leftist contender Jeannette Jara, who received 41.83%. This represents Kast's third attempt at the presidency, having in the past been defeated by the incumbent president, Gabriel Boric, in the 2021 runoff. Agenda Built On Law and Order and Immigration Recognized for his strong Catholic views and admiration for the period of former leader Augusto Pinochet, Kast's platform was primarily built on promises to combat growing crime and radically restrict migration. He repeatedly blamed migrants, particularly the approximately 330,000 illegal individuals in Chile, for security issues. During the election cycle, he delivered an final demand for them to depart before the new term begins or face expulsion. His plans envisioned Trump-inspired measures such as erecting camps, barriers, security fences, and strengthening the military presence on the northern border. Amid a Continental Wave Numerous commentators interpret Kast's win as part of a broader rightward shift in the region, coming after this year's electoral wins in countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina. However, other pundits further describe it as a extension of the regular swing of power between left-wing and right leadership since Chile's return to democracy in 1990. Governing Lacking a Solid Majority Despite his decisive electoral triumph, Kast will not have an overall majority in Congress, not in the lower house nor the Senate, even when all conservative parties are grouped together. This legislative situation might complicate his agenda, such as a vow to cut public spending by $6 billion within 18 months—a measure for which he has yet to provided specifics. "There are numerous things about how a Kast presidency will be that are uncertain because he has not said how he will do them," noted a political expert. The analyst continued, "Regarding economic policy, it is almost certain we will see spending cuts associated with the right. But where there is much less doubt is on public safety, because that has been his flagship issue during the race."