Chile has elected a conservative politician, José Antonio Kast, in a victory that signals a shift toward the hard right in Latin America. Kast, 59, has expressed support for the country’s former military dictatorship under Gen. Augusto Pinochet, opposed same-sex marriage, and advocated for a constitutional abortion ban.
Despite these positions, which had previously limited his appeal in an increasingly liberal country, Kast won in a landslide. Experts say his success reflects growing frustration with rising crime, economic challenges, and unfulfilled expectations under outgoing President Gabriel Boric. The result highlights a broader anti-incumbent mood across South America that has helped right-wing leaders gain support.
Recent elections across the continent show similar trends. Argentina strengthened the mandate of libertarian President Javier Milei, Ecuador elected conservative President Daniel Noboa, Bolivia voted in right-wing President Rodrigo Paz, and political turmoil in Peru has favored right-wing politicians. In Honduras, a conservative candidate endorsed by Donald Trump deadlocked with a rival in a vote rejecting the left-wing government.
Kast defeated Jeannette Jara, his communist rival from the center-left coalition, whose campaign failed to persuade voters that she represented meaningful change. Observers say Kast’s platform appealed to voters concerned about insecurity, uncontrolled migration, and a struggling economy.
Kast is also part of the global hard-right network, alongside figures like Milei and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. He has appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference, criticizing socialism, opposing “gender ideology,” and advocating strict immigration policies. Experts note that while far-right movements often represent 25–30% of the electorate, they currently wield significant political influence.
U.S. political figures have taken note. Former President Donald Trump praised Kast, calling him “a very good person” and expressing plans to meet him. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he spoke with Kast about expanding economic ties and addressing illegal immigration.
At Kast’s victory rally in Santiago, supporters waved American flags, wore red “Make Chile Great Again” caps, and displayed banners with Milei’s 2023 slogan, “The force of change.” Kast plans to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to meet Milei to discuss security and immigration policies.
Chile’s conservative victory marks a significant turn in the region, underscoring a rising influence of hard-right politics with clear pro-Trump connections, and signaling a challenging road ahead for Latin America’s left-wing movements.
