The Pinochet fan with a Nazi dad: meet Chile’s next president

In the latest episode, the podcast delves into the significant political shift in Chile with the election of José Antonio Kast as president, who represents a far-right ideology. Kast, a child of Nazi immigrants, has historically held extreme views, including nostalgia for General Pinochet's regime. His election marks a stark contrast to the previous government led by the leftist Gabriel Boric, who was seen as progressive.

The episode examines the public mood pre- and post-election, revealing that many Chileans felt a surge of jubilation at Kast's victory as they rallied around a promise of restored security amid rising fears of crime, particularly linked to immigration. Kast's campaign pivoted on themes of safety and crime reduction, addressing the anxieties of citizens who felt increasingly insecure due to crime rates that had risen in recent years despite Chile being among the safest nations in Latin America.

Kast's victory speech emphasized a government focused on law and order to address these fears. His political platform also includes cutting government spending and tackling illegal immigration framed as a matter of organized crime. The episode reflects on how Kast's public image has developed, suggesting he is more of an ideologue than a populist, despite his campaign's focus on rallying right-wing support.

Finally, the podcast situates Kast's win within a broader context of rightward shifts across Latin America, comparing his political style and messaging to other leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Bukele in El Salvador. The analysis raises questions about whether Kast will successfully navigate his promises and fears in a changing political landscape fueled by a unique combination of nostalgia, fear, and conservative values.