Last Sunday, December 14, 2025, Chileans went to the polls in a high-stakes presidential runoff. Far-right candidate José Antonio Kast secured a decisive victory over the governing left-wing coalition candidate Jeannette Jara, capturing over 58% of the vote. 🗳️
The campaign was dominated by debates over security, immigration, and crime. Kast’s hardline stance on public safety and his promise to tighten borders resonated with voters frustrated by rising crime rates and waves of immigration. His triumph marks the biggest shift to the right in Chile since the end of military rule in 1990. 📈
On his third presidential run, Kast’s message of law and order and economic stability appealed to a broad segment of the population, including many first-time voters. “We need a change,” said a young voter in Santiago. “We want a government that puts safety first.”
Analysts say this result could reshape Chile’s political landscape, influencing policies across Latin America. Some worry about potential rollbacks on social programs, while others believe Kast’s business-friendly approach could boost investment and growth.
Looking ahead, Kast will be sworn in early next year. His administration faces the challenge of uniting a divided country and addressing deep social concerns. What new direction will Chile take? Stay tuned as we follow the story. 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
