Kast’s New Focus: Crime, Borders and a Different Style

The newly inaugurated president has laid out a decisive plan targeting the two most pressing concerns of Chilean society: crime and immigration.

Tougher Prison Rules & Longer Sentences

• Implementation of stricter regulations within correctional facilities.
• Extended sentences for gang members, aiming to dismantle organized crime networks.

Immigration Strategy

• A comprehensive plan to curb the influx of migrants from Venezuela.
• Deployment of additional soldiers along the Bolivia‑Chile border, a key transit point for many migrants.

Symbolic Shift in Leadership Style

• Unlike his predecessor, known for socialist policies and a relaxed dress code, the new president insists on formal attire.
• He has instructed male staff to wear suits and ties, signaling a broader transformation in Chile’s governance.

Addressing Rising Violence

• The campaign promised to tackle violence that surged since 2019, when attacks on subways and churches shocked the nation.
• The president asserts that controlling crime is essential for safety, economic growth, and attracting business investment.

Public Reaction

• Hotel Manager: Expresses concern that strict measures may not curb juvenile crime.
• Engineer from Los Andes: Criticizes the administration’s lack of political experience but agrees that reforms must respect human rights.

Expert Opinion

• Analysts suggest Chile could regain the stability enjoyed before the last socialist administration.
• A secure environment is deemed a critical ingredient for future prosperity.