Presidential candidate Jeannette Jara lashed out at José Antonio Kast for not attending the presidential debate on Mega this Sunday, accusing him of avoiding dialogue with the country. Jara defended her willingness to debate and questioned Kast's consistency on issues like security. The debate did not take place due to the Republican's absence.
In the context of the second round of the 2025 presidential elections, tension between the candidates escalated this Sunday when José Antonio Kast (Rep.) decided not to attend the debate organized by Mega at 22:00. The televised event, confirmed by Jeannette Jara (PC, Unidad por Chile and Christian Democracy), did not take place due to the rival's absence.
Jara, through posts on X, accused Kast of avoiding the confrontation of ideas in a decisive stage. “Kast decided not to attend the debates. I am here, showing my face, with clear proposals and the courage to face the country's challenges. When one wants to govern, they talk to people and do not hide. Chile deserves certainties, not evasions”, she wrote. She deepened her criticism on security: “To go to a debate requires courage. And today it was clear who has it and who doesn't. To face organized crime and drug trafficking requires even more courage, because talking about security is not enough: one must have the conviction to act and give certainties to the country”.
The background dates back to Saturday, when Kast stated that debates are receiving “undue attention” and will not change voter perception. “Will it change people's perspective with one more or less debate? It is important, yes, we will have debates, but centering everything on that and not on the pursuit of drug trafficking or terrorism is inaudible”, he said, challenging Jara to visit the Franklin neighborhood.
Jara responded early Sunday, stating she could “go anywhere” and confirming the five debates prepared by the media. “It is no use being locked in a glass box”, she criticized, alluding to Kast's use of bulletproof glass in campaign events, and questioned whether there are real threats or just a construction of fear. “I am here, facing Chile, with serious proposals, without hiding and willing to answer all questions. That is the difference between those who want to govern and those who prefer to be absent”, she emphasized.
This attack highlights a substantive difference between the candidates, with Jara insisting on the need to dialogue so that Chile knows their positions.