Chile’s right-wing president-elect José Antonio Kast vows national unity and continuity, dialling down anti-migrant rhetoric after election victory.
SANTIAGO: Chile’s president-elect has dialled down his far-right anti-migrant rhetoric and vowed to lead a government of national unity.
José Antonio Kast made the pledge on Monday after meeting outgoing leftist president Gabriel Boric and rival party leaders.
The 59-year-old father of nine said he would work for all Chileans when he takes office in March.
“We all share concerns about security, health, education and housing,” Kast said.
His campaign had promised to deport more than 300,000 mostly Venezuelan migrants and to tackle crime.
Since winning Sunday’s runoff with 58% of the vote, he has struck a more conciliatory tone.
“This is not one person’s or one party’s government,” he stated.
“It will be broader to achieve consensus on fundamental issues.”
Amid fears over his past support for the Pinochet dictatorship, Kast spoke of safeguarding democratic institutions.
He promised “continuity of the state, continuity of its institutions, continuity of public service, and continuity of the democratic order.”
Chilean voters have alternated between left and right governments at every election since 2010.
Latin America’s leftist leaders were quick to criticise Kast’s right-wing ideals and past rhetoric.
Colombian president Gustavo Petro called Kast “Hitler’s son” and said he would never “shake the hand of a Nazi and the son of a Nazi.”
Media investigations state Kast’s German-born father was a member of the Nazi party.
Kast insists his father was a forced conscript who did not support the Nazis.
Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro warned Kast to “respect Venezuelans” and urged them to return home.
Chile’s government lodged a protest against Petro’s “unacceptable” remarks on Monday.
Foreign minister Alberto van Klaveren said the statements “constitute a lack of respect and an improper intrusion into domestic political affairs.”
He added they “denigrate not only the president-elect but also the sovereign decision of the people of Chile.” – AFP
