The rise of Chile’s most conservative president since the Pinochet era
In short: From a student activist supporting the 1988 'Yes' vote to the presidency of Chile, José Antonio Kast has orchestrated a historic political ascent. His 'emergency government' now wields a massive electoral mandate, reshaping the nation's borders, economy, and social regulations.
José Antonio Kast’s political trajectory is defined by a steady movement toward the radical right. A lawyer educated at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Kast was active in pro-Pinochet youth movements and the Guildist Movement during his studies. After years in the Independent Democratic Union (UDI), he founded the Republican Party (PRCh) in 2019, eventually leading to his presidency in 2026.
His path to power was marked by three presidential bids. In 2017, he finished fourth as an independent. In 2021, he won the first round but lost the runoff to Gabriel Boric. However, the 2025 election proved decisive; Kast won the runoff against Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara with over 58% of the vote. This victory was unprecedented, as he secured wins in all sixteen Chilean regions and achieved the highest total of 7.2 million votes in the country's history.
Now leading what he calls an 'emergency government,' Kast’s administration focuses on deregulation, tax cuts, and strict border enforcement. His policies include reducing corporate taxes from 27% to 23% and suspending 43 environmental regulations. His approach to migration is notably hard-line, involving the construction of a border wall with Peru and threats of mass deportations. Despite his massive mandate, his presidency has faced early turbulence, including high-profile cabinet resignations and a sharp decline in approval ratings from 57% to 30% within his first year.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: José Antonio Kast
- Also: José Antonio Kast
- Also: Wikidata — José Antonio Kast Adriasola · CC0
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