Today in Focus The Pinochet fan with a Nazi dad: meet Chile’s next president
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Dec 18, 2025 Journalist John Bartlett provides an insightful look at José Antonio Kast’s surprising electoral victory in Chile. He discusses how Kast’s focus on security and immigration resonated with voters amidst rising crime fears. Bartlett explores Kast's controversial family history, including his father's Nazi ties, and assesses how Kast altered his messaging to appeal to a broader audience. The conversation also covers Kast's policy agenda, comparisons to other Latin American leaders, and the role of media in shaping public perception of crime.
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From Safe Country To Rightward Shift
- Chile has shifted from being seen as stable and safe to electing far-right José Antonio Kast by a landslide.
- Fear of crime and immigration played a central role in that political swing.
Migration Created New Crime Narratives
- Rising irregular migration exposed new crime patterns that Chileans had not seen before.
- Porous borders and geography made illegal crossings politically salient only recently.
Sermon-Like Tone, Rightward Governance
- Kast speaks with a sermon-like, non-populist tone that seeks to soothe supporters.
- He frames governance as respectful but clearly favors the right's constituency.