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In his first speech as president-elect, the far-right José Antonio Kast stated that he will be "the president of everyone, without exception" and promised a "real change" in the country.
Kast stated that each citizen will be able to freely decide whether to join the recovery and the "rebirth of Chile," and noted that the public has given a clear mandate: they do not want continuity, but rather deep transformations.
In front of thousands of followers gathered in Santiago, he asked God for "temperance and strength to rise to the occasion" and promised to restore respect for the law.
"Without security, there is no peace; without peace, there is no democracy; and without democracy, there is no freedom. Chile will once again be free from crime, anguish, and fear," he asserted, emphasizing his focus on order and justice.
Kast won decisively in the second round of the presidential elections.
With 58.1% of the votes compared to 41.8% for her center-left rival, Jeannette Jara, Kast achieved one of the widest victories in a runoff since the return to democracy in the Andean country.
The leader highlighted security, migration, and economic progress as priorities of his government.
He stressed that "those who do not abide by the law will face the full force of the law," and emphasized that parents will be held responsible for the damages caused by their children, while young people will not be allowed to engage in acts of vandalism or destruction of property.
He expressed gratitude for the support of other right-wing and far-right former candidates and urged to work "in unity" to form a government composed of various forces from his sector.
The 59-year-old elected president and founder of the Republican Party stated that his victory "is not the goal, but the starting point," and assured that the changes he proposes will begin immediately, although he cautioned that the results will not be immediate.
During his speech, he called for respect towards his rival Jara, acknowledging her courage and commitment throughout the electoral process.
Kast will formally assume the presidency on March 11, when he will receive the presidential sash from outgoing president Gabriel Boric, who has already congratulated him by phone and invited him to a courtesy meeting at La Moneda.
Kast's election marks a milestone in Chile's recent history, as he became the first openly Pinochetist president since the return to democracy.
His agenda anticipates a tough-on-crime policy, tax reforms, and an emphasis on security and public order, with promises of "real and lasting" changes in the country.
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