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Chile's Presidential Runoff: A Nation Divided Toward the Far-Right

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. unoff-a-nation-divided-toward-the-far-right.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 5:27 GMT by KSTP-TV

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Chile’s Presidential Runoff: A Nation Divided Toward the Far‑Right

The recent Chilean presidential runoff has thrust the country into a political crisis that is as much about ideology as it is about the future of the state’s social contract. According to a detailed report from KSTP, the two remaining candidates—Jorge Boris Reyes, the long‑time president of the centre‑right Independent Democratic Union (UDI) party, and José Antonio Kast, a former judge who has built a new far‑right movement—have captured the attention of voters and commentators alike. The article argues that the electorate is split in ways that mirror, and even intensify, the deep divisions that have defined Chile since the end of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.

1. The Two Candidates: Profiles and Platforms

Jorge Boris Reyes is a seasoned political operator. He is a moderate within the UDI, and his platform emphasizes stability, economic growth, and a cautious approach to reforming the state. Reyes has repeatedly highlighted the need for a balanced budget, investment in infrastructure, and the protection of private property rights. Importantly, he stresses that Chile’s democratic gains—particularly the 2005 and 2019 constitutional reforms—must be preserved, but he insists on a pragmatic, incremental route to change.

José Antonio Kast, on the other hand, emerged from a more radical background. Formerly a prosecutor, Kast’s campaign is anchored in a far‑right narrative that criticizes the current constitutional draft as “unfairly left‑leaning” and a threat to Chile’s economic sovereignty. He champions a return to the “traditional values” of Chilean society, stressing law and order, the centrality of the Catholic Church, and a hard‑line stance on immigration. Kast’s message resonates with a segment of voters that feels left behind by rapid social reforms, especially after the massive 2019 protests that demanded a new constitution.

2. The Electorate’s Divide

The article highlights that the runoff exposes a “new type of polarization.” While previous elections often showcased a clear split between left‑leaning independents and a broad centre‑right coalition, the current contest places a far‑right candidate directly against a moderate centre‑right candidate. The analysis points out that both candidates command roughly 35–40 % of the electorate, but the rest of the voters are torn between them. This phenomenon is unprecedented in Chile’s recent history.

One of the key findings cited is the polling data released by a leading Chilean research firm. It shows that while younger voters (18‑29) largely support Reyes—particularly those who identify with the “democratic left”—the older demographic, especially those above 50, split their votes between Kast and Reyes, with a slight preference for Kast. This age‑based divergence mirrors the broader national debate about Chile’s identity: the old guard’s apprehension about rapid social change versus the younger generation’s desire for a more progressive, inclusive society.

The article also underscores how the debate has been shaped by media coverage and social networks. The online discourse surrounding the constitutional referendum has amplified the rhetoric of both camps. While Reuters and Bloomberg have offered relatively neutral reporting, Chilean state TV channels and popular cable networks have leaned toward a sensationalist narrative, stoking fear about “social unrest” and “economic collapse” if Kast wins.

3. The Constitutional Context

A critical piece of the story is the ongoing constitutional reform process. The 2019 protests, which sparked a nationwide movement to rewrite the 1980 constitution, culminated in a plebiscite where Chileans overwhelmingly voted “Yes” to draft a new constitution. The drafting process has been highly contentious, with accusations of politicization from all sides.

Reyes’ campaign argues that the new constitution is “essentially a continuation of the old system” with minor adjustments, while Kast claims it is a “total overthrow of the Chilean state.” The article details how the constitutional debates have become a proxy for deeper ideological battles: security versus inclusion, central authority versus local autonomy, and a capitalist market economy versus a welfare state.

Moreover, the article cites an interview with constitutional law experts who warn that a Kast victory could derail the entire reform process. They argue that Kast’s platform is incompatible with many of the core principles of the new constitution—especially those guaranteeing equality, human rights, and a mixed economy. In contrast, Reyes has been more open to the new framework, though he insists on protecting “core capitalist principles” and a “market‑friendly” economy.

4. The Economic Stakes

Chile’s economy, known for its relative stability in the Latin American context, is at the center of the campaign. The article points out that Chile has historically been a leading exporter of copper, and its fiscal health is closely tied to commodity prices. Reuters reports that the Chilean peso has fluctuated significantly during the campaign, and there is a looming concern that a polarizing election could impact investor confidence.

Reyes promises to maintain fiscal prudence, emphasizing the need to reduce public debt and keep inflation under control. He also argues for continued partnerships with multinational corporations, arguing that foreign investment is vital for the country’s growth. Kast, meanwhile, calls for a “realignment” of trade policies, advocating for protectionist measures to safeguard Chilean industries. He has been particularly vocal about reducing imports from countries that he claims have engaged in unfair trade practices.

The article references data from the Central Bank of Chile, noting that the inflation rate is currently at 7.5 %, close to the target of 4–6 %. Reyes stresses that his economic plan will keep inflation in check, while Kast has faced criticism for his stance on “economic nationalism,” which could potentially lead to higher inflation and slower growth.

5. Social and Cultural Dimensions

Beyond economic policy, the article covers the cultural and societal issues that have become flashpoints in the campaign. These include debates over gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, indigenous representation, and religious influence in the state. The article references a study from the University of Chile that indicates that voters who are “highly religious” or “socially conservative” lean toward Kast. Meanwhile, voters who prioritize “social justice” and “human rights” tend to back Reyes.

A significant portion of the piece is devoted to analyzing the role of the Catholic Church in the campaign. The Church’s support for Kast—through its network of parish priests and Catholic media outlets—has amplified his message. Critics argue that this alignment risks eroding the secular nature of the state.

The article also cites a survey from Pew Research indicating that more than 60 % of Chilean women are dissatisfied with how current political forces have addressed gender equality. This dissatisfaction is reflected in higher turnout among women in the runoff, many of whom favor Reyes for his moderate stance on gender policies.

6. Global Reactions and Historical Comparisons

The piece concludes with a look at how international observers have reacted. The U.S. State Department issued a statement urging a “free and fair” election, while European Union diplomats emphasized the importance of the constitutional process for democracy. The article draws parallels with historical instances in Latin America, citing Chile’s 1970 election of Salvador Allende as a cautionary tale for the potential consequences of a polarizing right-wing victory.

Historian Carlos García, quoted in the article, notes that Chile’s 19th‑century “nationalistic movements” similarly split society along lines of modernity versus tradition. He warns that a far‑right victory could repeat patterns of authoritarian rule, undermining the gains achieved during the democratic transition.

7. The Road Ahead

With the runoff scheduled for December, the article argues that Chile’s political future hangs in the balance. The electoral commission has announced strict security measures, and civic groups are mobilizing to promote voter turnout. The central question is whether Chile can navigate this electoral storm without tipping into a crisis that would threaten its democratic institutions.

In sum, the KSTP article provides a nuanced, data‑driven, and context‑rich overview of Chile’s presidential runoff, highlighting the ideological rift, constitutional stakes, economic concerns, and cultural debates that together define the country’s present and its uncertain future. The nation’s divided electorate, the far‑right’s appeal to traditional values, and the moderates’ insistence on preserving institutional integrity converge to create a highly charged political moment that will shape Chile for years to come.