1. Combating Crime
José Antonio Kast, the first right-wing leader to take office in Chile since the end of the dictatorship, will face significant challenges in addressing crime and illegal immigration. As he prepares to assume power on March 11, expectations are high for swift action on his promises.
Chile is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, but delinquent crime remains a major concern for its citizens. Criminal organizations, such as the Venezuelan-originated Tren de Aragua, have brought increased violence. Over the past decade, homicide rates rose by 140%, from 2.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 6 in 2024. This is lower than the Latin American average of 15, according to the UN.
Kast plans to tackle organized crime and drug trafficking through aggressive measures, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, increased firepower for the police, and deploying military personnel to critical areas. Critics view his anti-immigration plan as unrealistic, citing the impracticality of mass deportations.
2. Strengthening the Economy
Chile’s public debt is projected to reach 42.2% of its GDP by the end of 2025, requiring the incoming government to implement fiscal adjustments to prevent imbalances.
Kast aims to cut $6 billion from public spending within 18 months, though he has not specified which sectors will be affected or how these adjustments will be carried out.
Critics, including traditional right-wingers, argue that such substantial cuts would inevitably impact social programs. Stéphanie Alenda, an investigator at the Universidad Andrés Bello, states that Kast’s plan involves reducing the role of the state, similar to what has been observed in other regional countries.
Kast intends to stimulate investments by lowering taxes and regulations, aiming for an annual growth rate of 4%, surpassing the projected 2.6% for 2024.
3. Navigating Congress
To implement policies such as tax reductions or criminalizing irregular immigration, Kast must negotiate with Congress.
Although the right-wing holds a majority in Parliament, Kast will need support from center-left parties, particularly in the Senate. The Republican Party of Kast has historically remained on the sidelines during negotiations between the ruling coalition and traditional right-wing factions.
Political analyst Rodrigo Arellano from the Universidad del Desarrollo warns that Kast will have to deal with a broad coalition and a diverse Congress without a clear majority.
To govern, Kast will need to form alliances with traditional right-wing parties, which he previously referred to as “cowardly,” and the People’s Party led by Franco Parisi, a populist leader with an anti-elite agenda who surprisingly garnered 20% of the votes in the first round.
4. Facing Opposition on the Streets
Kast has expressed support for former dictator Augusto Pinochet’s regime (1973-1990) and previously criticized memorial spaces for human rights victims. During this campaign, he avoided discussing these topics to avoid losing votes.
Despite this, Kast may endorse a proposed law that could grant pardons to state agents imprisoned for human rights violations.
Cecilia Mora, a 71-year-old retiree, views Kast as “Pinochet without a uniform.” Analysts predict that budget cuts for social programs could also spark protests.
Kast will confront “a rigid and angry left, with street protests, unions, students, and it remains to be seen how he will handle this,” according to Robert Funk, a political science professor at the Universidad de Chile.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What are the main challenges facing José Antonio Kast’s government?
A: Kast faces challenges in combating crime, strengthening the economy, navigating Congress, and dealing with street opposition. - Q: How does Kast plan to address crime?
A: Kast plans aggressive measures against organized crime and drug trafficking, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, increased police firepower, and deploying military personnel to critical areas. - Q: What economic adjustments does Kast propose?
A: Kast aims to cut $6 billion from public spending within 18 months, though the specifics of these adjustments and affected sectors remain unclear. - Q: How will Kast handle negotiations with Congress?
A: Kast must negotiate with Congress to implement policies like tax reductions or criminalizing irregular immigration, requiring support from center-left parties. - Q: What kind of opposition does Kast anticipate?
A: Kast will face a rigid and angry left, street protests, union involvement, and student activism.
