With Kast's inauguration, the most right-leaning government since Pinochet begins in Chile
José Antonio Kast has officially taken office as the President of Chile, marking the country’s most right-wing government since the return to democracy.
On Wednesday, December 11, José Antonio Kast was inaugurated as the President of Chile, amid a significant political shift in the country as his government is considered the most right-leaning since the Pinochet era. The inauguration took place at the Chilean Senate in Valparaíso, where Kast received the presidential sash from his predecessor, Gabriel Boric. This transition follows four years of Boric's leadership, which was marked by leftist policies and social reforms, indicating a stark shift in Chilean politics.
Kast, who founded the Republican Party in 2019, has distanced himself from the party, pledging to take a leave if elected, signifying a personal journey in his political career. Following his inauguration, he posed for a photograph with his new cabinet at the Palace of Cerro Castillo in Viña del Mar, where he committed to an "emergency government" focused on tackling organized crime and irregular immigration. His campaign emphasized the urgent issues facing Chile, including economic challenges, security concerns, and the need for reconstruction after devastating wildfires.
In a bid for a more centrist approach, Kast moderated his campaign rhetoric, promising to engage in dialogue with the opposition. This new administration represents a critical juncture for Chilean society, as it reflects a considerable ideological shift that has implications for domestic policies, social issues, and the country’s approach to governance in a post-Boric landscape.