Summary
José Antonio Kast, known for his far-right views, has become the new president of Chile, representing the country's most significant turn to the right since it became a democracy again in 1990. Kast won the 2025 election promising to fight crime and curb illegal immigration. His swearing-in was attended by several international leaders.
Key Facts
- José Antonio Kast is now Chile's president after winning the 2025 election.
- His presidency is the most right-leaning since Chile returned to democracy in 1990.
- The ceremony was held in Valparaíso at the National Congress.
- Kast’s election win was significant, defeating the communist candidate Jeannette Jara.
- Notable attendees at his inauguration included presidents from Argentina, Panama, and Ecuador, as well as Spain’s King Felipe VI.
- Gabriel Boric, the former president, was criticized as the worst-rated since 1990, according to a recent survey.
- Kast plans to focus on reducing crime and illegal immigration, similar to policies in the United States under President Trump.
- Kast had tensions with outgoing president Boric over a project involving a submarine cable connecting Chile and China.
