Background on José Antonio Kast
José Antonio Kast, a 59-year-old conservative lawyer, won the Chilean presidential election with 58% of the votes. His opponent, Jeannette Jara, a moderate communist, received 42% of the votes. Kast’s victory marks a significant shift towards the right in Chilean politics since the end of General Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship 35 years ago.
Ideological Affinity and Milei’s Support
Argentine President Javier Milei, who shares similar ideological views with Kast, will receive the incoming Chilean president on Tuesday. Milei congratulated Kast shortly after his victory was officially announced, expressing his joy on social media.
Milei’s Perspective on Kast’s Victory
In a tweet, Milei celebrated Kast’s “overwhelming victory” and described it as “another step forward for our region in defense of life, liberty, and private property.” He welcomed Chile’s addition to the list of South American countries with right-leaning governments, including Paraguay, Peru, and Ecuador.
Kast’s Political Stance and Controversial Views
Kast has pledged to “restore the law” and deport nearly 340,000 undocumented migrants, mostly Venezuelans. He also plans to directly confront crime. However, his views on the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990) have sparked controversy. Kast defends the dictatorship, which resulted in 3,200 deaths and disappearances, along with tens of thousands of tortured and political prisoners.
Kast has publicly expressed admiration for Pinochet, stating that if the dictator were still alive, he would have voted for him. His election marks a departure from the left-leaning administration of President Gabriel Boric, who will hand over power on March 11 after a four-year term.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is José Antonio Kast? Kast is a 59-year-old conservative lawyer who won the Chilean presidential election with 58% of the votes.
- What are Kast’s political views? Kast advocates for restoring law and order, deporting undocumented migrants, and directly addressing crime. He also supports the former Pinochet dictatorship.
- Why is Kast’s victory significant? Kast’s win signifies a shift towards the right in Chilean politics, following 35 years of progressive governments since the end of Pinochet’s dictatorship.
- Who is Javier Milei? Milei is the President of Argentina who shares ideological views with Kast and will meet him on Tuesday.
- What is the reaction to Kast’s views on the Pinochet dictatorship? Kast’s admiration for the Pinochet regime has been met with controversy and criticism due to its human rights abuses.
