Chile’s president-elect names staunch abortion opponent as gender equality minister

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by John Bartlett in SantiagoJanuary 21, 2026 at 05:56 PM

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Chile's president-elect, José Antonio Kast, has appointed Judith Marín, a vocal opponent of abortion, as the Minister of Women and Gender Equality. Marín, a member of a far-right Christian group, has publicly questioned the ministry's future and supports the "natural family." Kast, himself a staunch abortion opponent, announced his cabinet, comprised mostly of right and far-right figures, including two lawyers who previously represented former dictator Augusto Pinochet. The appointments come as Chile's congress debates a bill to decriminalize abortion up to 14 weeks, a law opposed by Kast. His cabinet selection signals a shift towards conservative social values, despite avoiding these topics during his campaign.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Fernando Barros 40% Santiago 40% Fernando Rabat 40% Eagles of Jesus 50% Gabriel Boric 50% Augusto Pinochet ×360% Judith Marín ×380% José Antonio Kast ×490% Chile ×5100%

Keywords

abortion 100% josé antonio kast 90% chile 90% gender equality 80% far-right 80% conservative 70% decriminalize abortion 70% judith marín 70% women's rights 60% political crisis 50%