Background on Key Figures and Context
On December 15, Chile protested against Colombia following President Gustavo Petro’s controversial remarks about the newly elected Chilean president, José Antonio Kast. Petro accused Kast of being the “son of Hitler” after his victory, sparking outrage in Chile.
Who is Gustavo Petro?
Gustavo Petro is the current President of Colombia, known for his progressive policies and left-leaning ideology. He has been in office since August 2022, advocating for social justice and environmental sustainability.
Who is José Antonio Kast?
José Antonio Kast is the newly elected President of Chile, representing the far-right Chilean Regionalist Party. He is known for his conservative views and admiration for the late Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Kast’s father was of German descent and a member of the Nazi party, though Kast has denied any personal connection to Nazism.
The Incident and Chile’s Response
Following Kast’s victory in the Chilean presidential election, Petro expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that “fascism is advancing” and refusing to shake the hand of “a Nazi and a son of a Nazi.” Petro’s comments specifically referenced Pinochet, the controversial former dictator of Chile.
Chile’s government, led by President Gabriel Boric, responded with a formal protest. Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren stated, “We have handed a note of protest to the Colombian ambassador in Chile to express our displeasure with the unacceptable remarks made by the Colombian president regarding our presidential election.”
Kast’s Background and Nazi Connections
José Antonio Kast is the youngest of ten children born to a German couple who emigrated to Chile and established a successful sausage business. Kast inherited this business, which later contributed to his political career.
Investigative journalism in 2021 revealed that Kast’s father was a member of the Nazi party. However, Kast has maintained that his father was a forced recruit in the German army during World War II and denied any personal connection to Nazism.
International Reactions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, expressing his hope to meet Kast soon and describing him as “a very good person.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in this controversy? President Gustavo Petro of Colombia and newly elected President José Antonio Kast of Chile.
- What were Petro’s controversial remarks? Petro called Kast the “son of Hitler” and expressed his unwillingness to shake his hand, citing Kast’s perceived fascist tendencies.
- Why did Chile protest? Chile’s government, led by President Gabriel Boric, formally protested Petro’s remarks, deeming them unacceptable.
- What is Kast’s background and connection to Nazism? Kast’s father was a member of the Nazi party, though Kast denies any personal link to Nazism and claims his father was a forced recruit in the German army during World War II.
- How did the international community react? Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his hope to meet Kast soon and described him as a “very good person.”
