Janet Jara (Santiago, 51), a member of the Communist Party and the only candidate of the ruling party to win the field’s primaries and support President Gabriel Boric’s government, presents herself as a presidential candidate seeking to extend the left’s persistence in La Moneda Palace, something that has not happened since 2005 when socialist Michelle Bachelet was elected to succeed fellow socialist Ricardo Lagos. The lawyer established herself as a presidential candidate thanks to the support given to her by the current government’s management as Minister of Labor, but she gave up the position to contest the presidential election. As Secretary of State, Jara led negotiations to pass the 40-hour workweek law and pass pension reform. Despite these achievements, official representatives face a complex situation. The latest polls released before the ban showed that he would be defeated in the second round by one of the main right-wing candidates.
The former minister, like other presidential standard-bearers, has focused his speeches on economic, immigration and security issues. On other issues, such as the decriminalization of abortion, which is a banner of Chilean progressivism, Jara has had to balance his position with that of some parties supporting his candidacy, such as the Christian Democratic Party. On this issue, the candidate said that he supports the abortion-without-reason project presented by the Executive. Another complicating issue for the candidate is foreign relations, with her criticism of the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, which has also been questioned by her own party.
economy
Jara’s proposal focused on maintaining and expanding the gains made during the Bolić administration. One of the main measures is to impose a living income of 750,000 pesos ($795) on workers. In addition to these measures, there are also restrictions on charging health, education and housing rents in development units (UF). It also plans to introduce a Critical Electricity Consumption (CEV) scheme to lower electricity prices. On union issues, candidates say they aim to establish multi-level bargaining and branch bargaining. On pensions, the left-wing standard-bearer has promised to maintain the scope of reforms unveiled during his administration. Belligerent PCs also mortgage, Targeted at young people up to the age of 40, it allows them to purchase their first home at an affordable price with dividends.
safety
Representatives from the left brought changes to the proposals of opposition candidates, whose speeches have focused on strengthening police services and accountability of the judiciary. Jara participated in a government initiative to facilitate the lifting of bank secrecy to trace the routes of illicit funds. Other efforts include gun control to reduce the firepower of criminal organizations. Implementation of a biometric registry. Use of technology such as drones and artificial intelligence. and strengthening municipal and private security.
emigration
The candidate’s platform makes no mention of mass deportations. Instead, the proposal aims to strengthen the national immigration system with labor immigration control measures and intercultural coexistence programs. JARA is proposing a temporary national biometric registry to identify foreign nationals. The registration process will be limited to a maximum of six months, and those who do not comply will be deported from the country. Regarding border control, candidates are proposing a strategic border control plan and strengthening security measures with the support of Carabineros personnel and the military.
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