In a gathering at La Moneda following Jeannette Jara's defeat to José Antonio Kast in the December 14 presidential primaries and ahead of Kast's transition talks with the government, President Gabriel Boric acknowledged government shortcomings in communicating security gains while urging officialist unity amid rising internal critiques.
On December 15, 2025, less than 24 hours after José Antonio Kast's 16-point victory over Jeannette Jara, Chile's usual political committee convened at La Moneda. President Boric, appearing frustrated and speaking last, joined leaders including Constanza Martínez (FA), Paulina Vodanovic (PS), Jaime Quintana (PPD), and ministers Álvaro Elizalde (Interior) and Camila Vallejo (spokesperson).
Criticisms focused on the government's poor communication of security achievements, including 70 laws passed. Quintana noted: “The government certainly had some responsibility, because we failed to communicate well what was done in security matters, which is a lot.” Martínez countered: “We are delivering a better country than the one we found.”
Boric accepted shared responsibilities, highlighting how the right effectively portrayed negatives on security and migration despite progress. He faulted FRVS and Acción Humanista for splitting lists in November parliamentary elections and absolved Jara of blame, calling for opposition unity. A January conclave is set to chart the left's future, though DC participation is uncertain.
This defeat, the left's worst since democracy's return, jeopardizes coalition cohesion, positioning Boric as a key figure in the opposition rebuild.
