Populism

For over three decades Chile has been governed by a succession of mainly moderate centre-left and centre-right coalitions. Like Costa Rica in Central America, Chile in the South American context has a reputation for strong democratic institutions and low levels of political or criminal violence. Yet it is also the case that concerns over violence and crime have been increasing and that Chilean voters have become increasingly alienated from what they see as a self-serving political establishment. The election of the far-right José Antonio Kast in late 2025 is therefore seen as an important break with the past.