Mar 12 • 03:24 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Kast promises a new era of 'order, freedom, and justice' for Chile

José Antonio Kast, in his inaugural speech as President of Chile, vows to restore order and stability while criticizing the previous administration's record.

In his first speech as President of Chile, José Antonio Kast emphasized a commitment to a government focused on 'order, freedom, and justice', declaring it to be not just a slogan, but a reality voters can expect under his leadership. He gave a stark assessment of the state left by the former administration, asserting that Chile is now in worse shape than anticipated, particularly criticizing the handling of the economy and public security issues such as organized crime and drug trafficking. Kast's remarks resonated with his supporters gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución, as he aimed to reassure families that they would no longer feel abandoned by the state under his governance.

Kast's speech comes in the wake of significant political transitions in Chile, with his rise marking a shift away from the more progressive governance of Gabriel Boric. By positioning his government as a necessary emergency management response to the chaos he associates with the previous administration, Kast is attempting to cement his authority and outline a clear mandate. His pointed comments without directly naming Boric suggest a focused strategy on galvanizing public sentiment against the perceived failures of the past, which he frames as a critical moment for reclaiming national stability.

The implications of Kast's promises signal a rightward shift in Chilean politics, and his emphasis on restoring order parallels broader concerns around safety and public trust in governmental institutions. The strong backing from his supporters indicates that his message is resonating with those feeling disenfranchised, potentially setting the stage for contentious political dialogues as he pushes forward with his agenda while striving to meet the high expectations of his base.

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