In a historic ceremony at the National Congress in Valparaíso, Chile, far-right leader José Antonio Kast was sworn in as the nation's new president on Wednesday. This event signifies Chile's most pronounced shift to the right since democracy was restored in 1990, following Kast's landslide victory in the 2025 elections.
Ceremony and International Attendance
The inauguration was attended by dozens of heads of state and high-ranking officials, including Argentina's President Javier Milei, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, and Spain's King Felipe VI. Notable guests also included Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Political Background and Campaign Promises
Kast, a 60-year-old lawyer and leader of the Chilean Republican Party, narrowly lost the presidency in 2021 to Gabriel Boric. However, in December 2025, he secured a decisive win against communist candidate Jeannette Jara. His campaign centered on promises to combat crime and curb illegal immigration, drawing inspiration from policies similar to those of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Geopolitical Crossroads
Kast assumes power at a critical geopolitical juncture, with Chile caught between the United States and China. China serves as the primary trading partner for Chile and much of Latin America, while the U.S. strives to regain influence in the region. Mariano Machado, an analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, noted that the U.S.-China rivalry in Latin America has transitioned from rhetoric to implementation.
Alignment with Washington
Kast has made overtures to the Trump administration, praising U.S. operations such as the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Relations between Chile and the U.S. deteriorated under Boric, who criticized Trump's leadership. Trump openly preferred Kast, inviting him to the "Shield of the Americas" summit in Miami. Gilberto Aranda, a political analyst at the University of Chile, stated that this indicates a significant alignment with Washington's directives.
Key Policy Focus Areas
Kast's administration will prioritize organized crime and immigration, issues that resonated with about 60% of voters. He has praised crime-fighting tactics from leaders like Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and plans to criminalize illegal immigration, intensify deportations, and install barriers along borders.
Challenges Ahead
The new government faces a divided Parliament, requiring cooperation to advance projects. Experts emphasize that the first 100 days will be crucial for setting the administration's direction. Kast's suspension of the transition process, following a clash with Boric over a submarine cable project to China, may signal polarized times ahead and could impact congressional dialogue.
Aranda warned that strained relations from the outset could hinder legislative progress, as the ruling party will need congressional consent to pass laws. The focus remains on whether Kast can deliver on his promises amid these challenges.
