Ariel Dorfman on Chile's Far-Right President-Elect José Antonio Kast

The Election of José Antonio Kast

• 🎯 José Antonio Kast has been elected as Chile's most right-wing leader since the US-backed dictator Augusto Pinochet, winning 58% of the vote.
• ⚠️ Kast, who openly praised Pinochet, is the son of a Nazi officer and campaigned on fighting crime and mass deportations.
• 📉 His victory is described as a political and ethical earthquake, threatening the economic and social rights built over decades.

Reasons for Kast's Rise

• 📈 Kast's victory is attributed to a majority of Chileans who are concerned about immigration, crime, and affordability.
• 💔 The center-left is blamed for turning its back on the troubles of the people, creating a void that Kast exploited.
• 💡 The left has failed to provide inspiring solutions, leading to a sense of malaise and unease among the populace.

Historical Context and Resistance

• ⏳ Chile has a history of moving away from dictatorship, with widespread celebration upon Pinochet's death in 2006.
• ✊ Despite advances in poverty reduction and rights, the transition from dictatorship left many feeling detached and uninspired.
• 🌳 Dorfman uses the proverb "the axe forgets but the tree remembers" to suggest Kast's presidency will be haunted by Chile's past.

Potential Challenges for Kast

• 🚫 Kast faces challenges in implementing his agenda, including deporting immigrants and dismantling rights.
• 🏛️ The Chilean army, having experienced shame during the dictatorship, may be less willing to act as enforcers against the populace.
• 📉 Chileans have consistently polled against extreme neoliberal policies and high levels of inequality, posing a challenge to Kast's agenda.