José Antonio Kast is poised to make a significant departure from recent presidential traditions by returning to live in the historic palace of La Moneda in Santiago, Chile, on March 11. This decision marks a historical moment, as he will be the first president to occupy the palace since Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, who resided there until 1958. Kast's comments emphasize practicality as he cited the distance from his current residence, indicating that he prefers to stay in the palace rather than incur additional costs for a separate official residence.

The palace of La Moneda, which dates back to the late 18th century and was designed by architect Joaquín Toesca, has a storied history and significance in Chilean government and culture. In recent years, presidents have generally opted for alternative residences or have rented homes upon taking office, as highlighted by the outgoing president Gabriel Boric's choice to live in a rented historic house in a culturally rich neighbourhood of Santiago. Kast's decision to utilize La Moneda not only reestablishes a connection to Chile’s political heritage but also symbolizes a return to the conventional practices that were standard for earlier presidents.

This move is likely to stir discussions regarding presidential practices in Chile, especially in light of Kast's distinct political stance as a right-leaning leader. His commitment to inhabit La Moneda could be interpreted as a statement of government transparency and accessibility, contrasting with prior administrations that emphasized personal privacy and autonomy. As the political landscape evolves with his administration, Kast's return to La Moneda could influence public perceptions of presidential leadership and accountability in Chile.