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Chile shifts right with Kast's victory
Chilean voters elected José Antonio Kast, a far-right leader with ties to the country's authoritarian past, as president on Sunday, marking a sharp turn from leftist governance. The result reflects growing public anxiety over crime, immigration, and economic stability, mirroring regional trends.
Kast's controversial legacy and promises
The 59-year-old president-elect has drawn criticism for his admiration of former dictator Augusto Pinochet, whose 1973-1990 regime was marked by human rights abuses. Kast's family history-including his father's Nazi Party membership and his brother's role in Pinochet's government-has further fueled concerns among opponents.
In his first speech as president-elect, Kast sought to distance himself from accusations of authoritarianism, vowing his "emergency government" would not revert to dictatorship. He pledged to restore order through stricter security measures, including a border wall and mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
Immigration and crime dominate voter concerns
Chile's foreign-born population surged by 46% between 2018 and 2023, reaching nearly 2 million, with an estimated 336,000 undocumented migrants, primarily from Venezuela. Kast's campaign capitalized on fears that rapid demographic shifts strained public services and fueled crime, despite data showing migrants commit fewer offenses on average than native-born citizens.
"Foreigners should enter through the door, not the window,"
Jeremías Alonso, Kast supporter
Supporters like Alonso argue undocumented migration exacerbates drug addiction and insecurity in working-class neighborhoods. Kast's rhetoric-including a countdown for migrants to leave before his inauguration-resonated with voters alarmed by rising thefts, carjackings, and organized crime.
Economic and political challenges ahead
While Kast's hardline stance on migration appeals to his base, large-scale deportations face logistical hurdles. Venezuela refuses to accept deportees from Chile, and past efforts have yielded limited results. Analysts suggest Kast's threats may aim to pressure migrants into leaving voluntarily, though few expect mass departures.
For migrants like Gabriel Funez, a Venezuelan waiter awaiting legal status, the election has intensified fears of xenophobia. "Kast is validating what many Chileans want to express," Funez said, recounting overheard conversations at his workplace where diners demanded migrants leave.
Businesses warn of labor disruptions
Migrant workers play a critical role in Chile's economy, particularly in agriculture and hospitality. Carlos Alberto Cossio, a Bolivian entrepreneur, employs workers from Haiti, Colombia, and Venezuela, noting their reliability compared to local labor. He warns that expelling undocumented workers could disrupt exports and raise costs.
"The migrant workforce is very important. Many companies rely on them."
Carlos Alberto Cossio, business owner
Kast's lack of a congressional majority may force compromises on policies like tougher sentencing and prison reforms. However, his symbolic gestures-such as deploying the military to borders-could satisfy voters seeking a perception of control amid regional instability.
Regional ripple effects
Chile joins a growing bloc of Latin American nations shifting rightward, including Argentina, Ecuador, and El Salvador, often in response to economic crises or corruption scandals. With elections looming in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, Kast's victory signals a broader conservative realignment, potentially aligning with U.S. policies on migration and security.
