Inside Chile's Emerging Conservatism: Kast's Technocratic Government Faces Migration and Crime Challenges

In a conversation at La Moneda, President José Antonio Kast presented himself as a Catholic-inspired conservative who still upholds democratic values, distancing himself from left-wing stereotypes. He highlighted a cabinet composed largely of technocrats, including Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado, who is focused on curbing irregular migration from places like Ceuta and combating organized crime groups such as the Tren de Aragua, alongside Security Minister Martín Arrau.

Science Minister Ximena Lincolao, a Mapuche entrepreneur who founded the AI platform BuildWithin, exemplifies the government’s push for digital innovation. Kast stressed the need for long-term policies rather than quick fixes, acknowledging the bureaucratic hurdles inherited from previous administrations. While public opinion polls remain skeptical, he remains confident that his policies will yield visible results in the coming months. The interview also touched on Chile’s patriotic celebrations and the broader cultural ties with Spain during Chile Day in Madrid.