Gabriel Boric, who came to power in December 2021 promising a new political era in Chile, is handing over leadership amid significant challenges and some achievements. His victory was previously marked by a celebration in Santiago, where supporters from both leftist and moderate democratic right backgrounds rallied for the young, idealistic leader in preference over the conservative José Antonio Kast, who has ties to the Pinochet regime. However, the political landscape in Chile shifted again as Kast prepares to assume office on November 11.

During Boric's presidency, he encountered immediate friction between his progressive ambitions and the harsh realities of governance. Key factors that hampered his administration's effectiveness included strong opposition from right-wing parties in Congress, which stifled critical reforms, and the necessity for compromises that often diluted his initial reformative visions. His government struggled to navigate these tumultuous political waters, leading to stagnation in certain policy areas that had been promised to Chileans at the onset of his leadership.

Despite these setbacks, Boric's time in office did see some victories, notably in addressing social issues and promoting dialogue surrounding climate change and equality. His leadership has sparked important conversations, and though he is leaving a divided political context, many view his tenure as a catalyst for future reforms. As Chileans reflect on Boric’s legacy and prepare for Kast’s administration, the implications of Boric's term continue to resonate in the nation's evolving political narrative.