BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast used his first annual address to Congress on Monday to outline an ambitious legislative program focused on strengthening public security, reducing government spending, tightening immigration policies and accelerating economic growth as he seeks to deliver on key campaign promises amid mounting political challenges.
Speaking before lawmakers in the coastal city of Valparaiso at the opening of the new congressional session, Kast pledged to launch what he described as an intensive legislative and administrative effort aimed at improving public safety, creating economic opportunities and restoring confidence in government institutions.
“Starting tomorrow we’re going to move forward with a very intense legislative and administrative agenda,” Kast told legislators, presenting a roadmap that he said would address many of the concerns that helped propel him to victory in last year’s presidential election.
Security occupied a central place in the president’s speech. Kast announced plans to strengthen the country’s police forces, introduce stricter immigration controls and advance measures that would remove certain social benefits from individuals convicted of criminal offenses. The proposals reflect the law-and-order platform that defined much of his successful presidential campaign and remain a cornerstone of his administration’s political identity.
“Our government’s main goal, and there is no other, is that when our mandate is over, Chileans live better, are safer and have more opportunities,” Kast said during the address.
The president also outlined a series of economic initiatives designed to stimulate investment and job creation. Among the measures announced were proposals to reform electricity pricing, reduce bureaucratic barriers for businesses and modernize regulations affecting medium-sized and small-scale mining operations, a sector that remains vital to Chile’s economy.
The new proposals would complement an economic growth bill that is already being debated in Congress. The administration argues that the legislation will encourage private investment, boost productivity and help generate new employment opportunities across the country.
Kast’s address came at a critical moment in his young presidency. Although he entered office in March with strong public support following a decisive victory in the 2025 presidential runoff election, his administration has faced a series of setbacks during its first months in power.
Public approval for the president has declined significantly since his inauguration. Recent polling has shown support falling from the high levels recorded immediately after his election, reflecting growing public concern over economic pressures and political turbulence within the government.
One of the most significant challenges confronting the administration emerged shortly after Kast took office, when the conflict involving Iran contributed to higher global energy costs and forced the government to implement sharp fuel price increases. The move generated criticism from opposition parties and placed additional pressure on households already facing rising living costs.
The government has also experienced internal instability. In May, Kast dismissed his security minister along with another senior cabinet official after weeks of criticism over the administration’s handling of key policy issues. The departures fueled questions about the government’s direction and highlighted the difficulties of translating campaign promises into concrete results.
Outside Congress, tensions were evident as demonstrators gathered in Valparaiso while the president delivered his speech. Clashes broke out between protesters and police, underscoring the polarized political environment in which the administration is operating.
Despite the challenges, Kast sought to project confidence and determination, arguing that his government remains committed to implementing reforms aimed at restoring public order, strengthening economic performance and improving living standards. With control of Congress divided among competing political forces, the success of his legislative agenda will depend largely on his ability to build support for his proposals in the months ahead.
The address marked the clearest indication yet of the administration’s priorities and set the stage for what is expected to be an intense political battle over security, immigration and economic policy as Chile navigates a period of uncertainty both at home and abroad.
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