President-elect José Antonio Kast interrupted his recess and reappeared on Tuesday in his Las Condes office, leading a series of intense political meetings. Among the highlights, he met with Johannes Kaiser, leader of the Partido Nacional Libertario, to discuss integration conditions into the future government. This activity takes place ahead of his official proclamation and a trip to Peru.
José Antonio Kast, president-elect after the December 14 runoff, surprised his collaborators by reappearing on Tuesday at the La Gloria 88 offices in Las Condes, known as 'La Moneda chica'. Without prior announcement, he arrived with a fan for the press and delivered a festive message: “Let us take advantage of these holidays to meet, to celebrate everything we can, healthily, and face this new year with all hope and enthusiasm, because it will be a tremendous year”.
The day included key political meetings. Arturo Squella, leader of the Partido Republicano, and Ruth Hurtado, general secretary, met with Kast. Elected parliamentarians like Enrique Bassaletti and retired General Cristián Vial also arrived, focusing on security and the Escudo Fronterizo plan. Other visitors included Claudio Alvarado, Johannes Kaiser, and Chile Vamos figures like Juan Francisco Galli and Raúl Figueroa.
A central meeting was between Kaiser and Alvarado, future Interior Minister, lasting over two hours. Kaiser presented a document titled “Declaration of Principles and Institutional Support Axes of the Partido Nacional Libertario”, outlining 'red lines' such as neutralizing ideological policies, including the Gender Identity Accompaniment Program (PAIG), Comprehensive Sexual Education (ESI), judicial reform, and budgets for the Instituto de Derechos Humanos (INDH). Kaiser stated: “We have raised our concern regarding the continuation of certain programs with deep ideological content”. Alvarado responded optimistically: “We see with optimism the possibility of integrating into the future administration”.
The libertarians' stance drew criticism from Chile Vamos. José García (RN) emphasized willingness to collaborate without conditions, while Sergio Gahona (UDI) said there should be no barriers. The abortion issue was not discussed, remaining a congressional matter.
The context is crucial for the transition: Kast will be proclaimed on January 5 by the Tricel. Before that, on January 6 he will meet with the CPC and travel to Peru to discuss a humanitarian corridor with President José Jerí amid the migration crisis. On January 8, he will participate in an Icare event on priorities for Chile.
