Chile's Economy and Energy Minister Álvaro García stated that Gabriel Boric's government will leave an extraordinarily favorable economic scenario for incoming President José Antonio Kast. This came in response to Kast's criticisms at an Icare forum, where he questioned the fiscal situation and ongoing legislative projects. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde also hit back, accusing Kast of quickly shedding his statesmanlike tone.
At an Icare forum titled “Priorities for Chile in the Voice of the President-Elect,” José Antonio Kast criticized the current government, claiming it will hand over “a government with a very difficult fiscal situation” and is rushing key projects “at the last hour,” including the universal childcare law, the end to CAE loans with the creation of the Higher Education Fund (FES), and the public sector adjustment, known as the “tie-down law.”
In response, Minister Álvaro García highlighted economic achievements at La Moneda: “Economic growth is above the economy's potential, the investment rate is the highest we've had in recent years, the portfolio of future investment projects is the largest we've had in recent years, and inflation is the lowest we've had in recent years.” He added that “growth prospects are better, as stated in the latest Central Bank report, and the conditions the next government will receive to continue accelerating growth are much better than those inherited by this government.”
On the “tie-down law,” García refrained from commenting and reiterated: “The only thing I know is that I, my team, and all those politically appointed have the obligation to resign on March 11, and we will do so.”
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde, speaking to 24 Horas, quipped that Kast's “statesman suit lasted little,” referring to his post-election conciliatory tone. He criticized Kast's opposition to the 40-hour workweek, pension reform, and mining royalty, calling for “constructive will” and dialogue for the country's benefit. Regarding Kast's indirect reference to Boric's tweets, Elizalde stressed that a statesmanlike vocation must be permanent, not situational.
These statements occurred on January 8, 2026, amid the governmental transition.
