Among artists, it is usually a source of pride to say how many times they have filled the Movistar Arena stadium. There was music this Tuesday afternoon, but the command said about 14,000 people came to hear political speeches. Republican José Antonio Casto decided to end his campaign in a space normally used for concerts with a success call, similar to American rallies but unusual for Chile. “Third time is the charm,” the far-right presidential candidate said, referring to his third attempts at La Moneda (in 2017 and 2021).
His speech focused on security, immigration, and attacks on the government of Gabriel Boric and left-wing candidate Janet Hara, which have been virtually constant throughout the campaign. “Jara is Bolić and Bolić is Jara. Her words and actions cannot change that. She is the successor to a failed government,” he told supporters waving Chilean flags handed out by his Republican team.
The participants, mostly young people and adults from the middle and upper classes, who at first glance looked more feminine than masculine, said they would vote for Casto this Sunday, November 16, because they want a “tough response” to crime and believe Chile needs “change, fundamental change.” Those who consult this chronicle see liberal Johannes Kaiser as too extreme a bet, while traditional right-wing Evelyn Massey is a proven but conflicting politician.
Mr. Kaiser is closing in on Mr. Kast in approval ratings, according to the latest polls, but it would be surprising if it were not a Republican who joins Mr. Harrah in the second round. Mr. Matei, who, like Mr. Kaiser himself, ends his campaign this Thursday, has been bumped up to fourth place by the Liberals.
Unlike his previous two candidacies, Mr. Casto’s strategy of focusing his campaign on security, immigration, and the economy, rather than speaking out on issues of personal freedom or defending Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship, was highly praised by some in attendance. David Burgos, 27, a nursing technician from the southern city of Punta Arenas, said, “Casto seemed very extreme to me, so I voted against him in 2021, but I think things have loosened up in recent years. Now Kaiser is the extreme.” Alma Leyva, 48, a bank analyst, said, “He is the person who represents me the most, but it doesn’t matter to me if any of the three on the right wins.The problem is that Hara is not showing up.”
After Chilean cumbia band Viking 5 lightened the mood with a song typically heard at New Year’s parties and weddings, a video was shown introducing Casto as a politician who has long championed border closures to stop Carabineros and illegal immigrants from entering the country, and included video cuts from past dates where he was seen making remarks to that effect. The thousands of attendees applauded and shouted louder than any other issue, such as education or the economy. Margarita Morales, a 68-year-old retiree, reflected many people’s fatigue with foreigners. “The door has opened wide for immigrants. Now when I get in an Uber and a Chilean is driving, I want to hug him,” he said.
Kast arrived on stage at 9 p.m. Accompanied by his wife, fellow ultra-conservative Pia Adriazzola, he recalled how 3,000 days ago he and a small group announced their candidacy for the presidency for the first time. “They told us it was impossible, they laughed at us, they underestimated us. But we are here, stronger, more mature, more confident than ever before,” the candidate said. “You are a reflection of what we have built over the last 3,000 days,” he added. In front of a stadium chanting, “You feel it, you feel it, President Casto.” The audience included Republican leaders, members of Congress, and party candidates for office. Three mayors are also from Chile Vamos, the coalition that officially supports Matei. Jose Manuel Palacios (UDI) from La Reina. Gustavo Alesandri (RN), from Zaparral. Rodrigo Contreras (UDI), from Paine. Republicans twice said there had been “blows” and “insults,” underscoring how difficult the road was and praising the “courage” of their supporters in defending their ideas.
“This is not about the presidential election. This is about the recovery of our country,” he said in a speech about putting families back at the center and eliminating waiting lists at health centers. “We want a country where criminals live in fear and citizens walk freely,” he said. Finally, Kast declared himself the winner of the election. Polls from before the 15-day pre-election ban put it that way even in the run-off. He said that this event is the end of the first stage, but the second round will take place on December 14th, arriving in La Moneda on March 11th, 2026. “Everything will change, everything will be fine,” he declared. He asked God for strength and wisdom and said goodbye. After finishing his speech, he returned to the microphone and thanked his wife and family.
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