Chile’s new far-right head is latest Latin American leader to ride hardline wave to power

José Antonio Kast, a far-right politician with a history of controversial views, won Chile's presidential election, marking a shift in the country's political landscape. Kast, the son of a Nazi party member, secured 58.16% of the vote, defeating leftist Jeannette Jara. His victory has been praised by right-wing leaders globally, including Marco Rubio, Viktor Orbán, and Javier Milei. Kast's campaign focused on addressing rising crime, with proposals inspired by Donald Trump, such as expelling undocumented migrants and building border barriers. Analysts view his election as part of a broader swing between left and right in Chilean politics, but note he is the most far-right leader elected since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship, whose regime he admires. Some experts express concern about the potential impact on Chile's democratic system and the shift of the right further towards extremism.

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