Key Facts
• December 14: Chile held a presidential runoff election.
• Right-wing opposition candidate José Antonio Kast defeated the left-wing ruling party candidate.
• Kast, a former congressman, pledged to deport illegal immigrants.
• Advocates strengthening ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Policies expected to prioritize U.S.-Chile relations.
• AP reports this as Chile’s most right-leaning government in 35 years of democracy.
Summary
In Chile’s December 14 presidential runoff, right-wing opposition candidate José Antonio Kast emerged victorious over the left-wing ruling party candidate. Kast, a former congressman, campaigned on promises to deport illegal immigrants and strengthen ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump. His administration is expected to focus on bolstering U.S.-Chile relations. According to AP, this marks the most right-leaning government in Chile’s 35 years of democratic history.
