chile Braces for Potential Shift as Far-Right Candidate Gains Momentum
Arica,Chile – Chileans are weighing a dramatic political shift as far-right presidential candidate José Antonio Kast gains traction,fueled by anxieties over rising crime and a wave of conservative victories sweeping across South America. Kast, who openly admires former U.S. president Donald Trump,has tapped into widespread discontent with the current political landscape,promising a hardline approach to security and a rollback of progressive policies.
the potential election of Kast represents a significant departure for Chile, a nation historically marked by center-left governance. His rise mirrors a broader trend in the region,where conservative forces are gaining ground in countries like Bolivia,Colombia,Peru,and Brazil. This shift has sparked both elation among conservative voters and apprehension among those who fear a rollback of social progress and human rights protections.
Arica resident rita Moya, 67, expressed a sentiment echoed by many conservative voters: “HeS the one who’s going to save our country… from all the bad things that are happening.” Others, like Gladys del Tránsito Osorio Verdugo, 69, voiced desperation for change following personal experiences with crime, stating, “We want him to save this country – because this country never used to be like this.”
Kast’s platform centers on restoring law and order, curbing immigration, and promoting conventional family values. He has also signaled a willingness to revisit Chile’s progressive constitution, adopted in a 2022 referendum.His campaign has gained momentum amid concerns over a perceived increase in crime, especially in border regions like Arica, where residents have reported incidents of robbery and violence.
The conservative surge in South America is being closely watched in Washington, with Trump officials believing a regional shift is underway.Last month, Bolivia elected a center-right president, Rodrigo paz Pereira, ending two decades of socialist rule. Right-wing candidates are currently favored in upcoming presidential elections in Colombia and Peru. In Brazil, left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces a challenging re-election bid, bolstered by a recent police crackdown that resulted in 117 deaths, including that of a 14-year-old boy. Argentina’s recent midterm elections saw victories for Milei, following a $40 billion bailout from the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, Chile is also addressing the legacy of its past. A recent progress involves plans to end the privileged prison conditions enjoyed by individuals convicted of crimes during the Pinochet dictatorship, where inmates reportedly had access to amenities like tennis courts and barbecues.
The outcome of Chile’s election will have far-reaching consequences,not only for the nation’s domestic policies but also for the broader geopolitical landscape of South America. The election is expected to be closely contested, with the results potentially reshaping the region’s political alignment for years to come.
