Chile’s far-right leader Jose Antonio Kast delivered his inaugural national address to Congress on Monday, outlining an ambitious legislative plan focused on crime reduction, spending cuts, and economic expansion as he works to rebuild his political standing.
During his speech from Congress in the coastal city of Valparaiso, the president detailed proposals to bolster police forces, strengthen immigration enforcement, and eliminate social benefits for certain individuals with criminal records.
“Starting tomorrow we’re going to move forward with a very intense legislative and administrative agenda,” Kast said.
The address comes at a crucial time for the president, who is working to regain political momentum following declining public approval and internal government upheaval. Successfully implementing his security and economic campaign pledges is viewed as essential for maintaining support from his political coalition.
Outside the congressional building, demonstrators engaged in confrontations with law enforcement during Kast’s remarks.
“Our government’s main goal, and there is no other, is that when our mandate is over, Chileans live better, are safer and have more opportunities,” Kast said.
The president also revealed plans for legislation addressing electrical utility pricing, streamlining government processes, and updating small to medium-sized mining operations. These proposals complement existing congressional legislation aimed at spurring economic development and employment growth.
Kast secured a decisive victory in the 2025 presidential runoff election by campaigning on tough crime and immigration enforcement platforms.
However, since assuming office in March, public support has declined significantly from 57% to 38%, based on polling data from Cadem.
Early in his presidency, Kast encountered a major test when the Iran conflict forced his administration to implement substantial fuel price increases.
The president also dismissed his security minister and another senior cabinet official in May following increased public criticism.
