In December 2025, Chile held presidential elections marking the return of the right to power. The new president is José Antonio Kast, a conservative known for supporting Augusto Pinochet's policies. Kast secured nearly 60% of votes against communist candidate Jeannette Jara, symbolizing a dramatic political shift just four years after left-wing Gabriel Boric's victory.
Kast is the tenth child of German immigrants. His father, a former Wehrmacht lieutenant, later became a successful businessman in Chile. The Kast family assimilated and gained significant economic influence. José Kast, a lawyer by education, formed the Republican Party and built his career on conservative values and tough security policies.
The parliamentary vote highlighted a deep divide: the left rallied behind Jara, but right-wing candidates earned a combined 70%. Voter turnout reached 85% with the restoration of mandatory voting. Kast's campaign focused on economic reforms — cutting taxes, reducing government spending, privatizing state companies, adopting strict migration policies, and cracking down on organized crime. He pledged to deport over 300,000 illegal migrants and reinforce border controls.
One key reason for Kast's victory was the security crisis that arose under Boric. Crime rates soared, with Venezuelan gangs gaining influence. Many voters linked the situation to the failures of the left and rising illegal migration.
Kast is also known for ultra-conservative social views: he opposes abortion and same-sex marriage and proposes restricting social support to married women. Parliament remains divided, putting the new president before significant challenges.
Thus, Kast's election reflects society's demand for security, order, and economic growth, with Chile again swinging between left and right policies. For Ukraine, the new president's foreign policy remains moderate, and Chile is expected to maintain balanced relations with the US, China, and other nations.
