The Politics of Fear: José Antonio Kast and His Far-Right Ambitions in Chile

As Chile heads into a critical runoff election, far-right candidate José Antonio Kast is attempting to shed his controversial family history while pushing a stringent agenda that plays into societal fears surrounding crime and immigration. The echoes of his family's past — a father who was a member of the Nazi party and a brother who served under dictator Augusto Pinochet — loom large, yet Kast positions himself as a modern political figure promising order against the chaos he claims permeates the nation. Kast, a well-connected member of the Chilean economic elite, has straddled a fine line in his campaign. Despite past controversies surrounding his defense of Pinochet's brutal regime, he presents a rebranded narrative that emphasizes dialogue, camaraderie, and a return to traditional values. In the recent election, he faces off against progressive candidate Jeannette Jara, whose policies advocate equality and justice, a stark contrast to Kast's ultra-conservative platform. Kast's political career has been characterized by incremental gains, coming in nearly first in the previous presidential election and now approaching his third attempt at the presidency with the slogan "the third time's a charm." Notable achievements include leveraging growing public discontent with security issues to cultivate a dedicated voter base. His fixation on crime — which he attributes to immigration — taps into a potent mix of nationalism and xenophobia. Recent polls indicate that 63% of Chileans prioritize security, a perception that Kast exploits to further emphasize his promised authoritarian grip on governance. Throughout his campaign, Kast has strategically dodged questions surrounding hot-button social issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights, directing attention instead toward economic and security policies that resonate with voters’ fears. His stance on owning firearms and advocacy for stronger police powers align with a significant portion of his potential electorate, which includes over half of identified far-right supporters who desire a robust approach to maintaining law and order. Despite previously losing to Gabriel Boric and facing criticism for his lack of activity and attendance in Congress, Kast has persisted, transforming long-standing frustrations with Chile's traditional political divides into a rallying call for a new type of leadership. This positioning mirrors the broader trends seen with populist figures globally, echoing sentiments of fear and dissatisfaction to capture votes. As the election approaches, the chaos surrounding crime rates and social unrest might just propel Kast into the presidential office. Behind a fortification of bulletproof glass, he declares, "I fear nothing, but criminals must fear us," clearly signaling a campaign built on instilling fear rather than fostering unity. The outcome of this election is not merely a reflection of Kast’s ambitions but may also define the future trajectory of Chilean politics in an era marked by rising authoritarianism and societal division. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2