Far-right candidate José Antonio Kast favourite to become Chile’s next president after first round vote
Guardian2 days
Chile: Presidential Runoff Scheduled for December
Above: Jeannette Jara speaking in Santiago, on Nov. 16, 2025. Image credit: Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Leftist candidate Jeannette Jara received 27%of the votes in the first round of the presidential election on Sunday. As Chile's former Minister of Labor under President Gabriel Boric, Jara successfully reduced the workweek from 45 to 40 hours, implemented pension reforms, and oversaw a comprehensive overhaul of the pension system in Chile. Jara is the first candidate from the Communist Party to gain significant mainstream support in over 30 years, highlighting the electoral focus on working-class representation in politics.
Right narrative
Conservative candidate José Antonio Kast stands out as a transformative leader, committed to enhancing national security. His vision for a safer Chile is designed not only to protect citizens but also to attract investment and drive job creation, making him a compelling choice for voters seeking real change. The election of Jara would only lead to economic turmoil.