Santiago Mayor Mario Desbordes escalated his rejection of Johannes Kaiser's presidential candidacy, warning that voting for him in the first round could favor Jeannette Jara. Kaiser countered by accusing Desbordes of extreme stances and inheriting a municipal disaster. The dispute highlights divisions in Chile's center-right ahead of the elections.
Tension between Santiago Mayor Mario Desbordes and Johannes Kaiser, presidential candidate of the Partido Nacional Libertario, escalated on Friday, October 31, 2025. Desbordes decided not to back Kaiser, arguing that polls show a tight race between Kaiser and Jeannette Jara, posing "a tremendous risk" that Jara wins the presidency if Kaiser advances to the second round. "I don't want Jara to be president. Unlike some in the Kaiser family, it doesn't matter to me the same," Desbordes told La Tercera, alluding to Kaiser relatives preferring Irací Hassler over him in the Santiago mayoral election.
Kaiser responded on La Tercera's podcast "Cómo te lo explico," stating: "It doesn't surprise me, I'm not a right-wing octubrista." He criticized Desbordes' statements, accusing him of fabricating complaints to the Contraloría on UN and refugee issues, and denying climate change by demonizing Agenda 2030. Kaiser reminded that Desbordes called himself a "right-wing octubrista" and urged reflection: "He should be very responsible when recommending not to vote for the opposition candidate facing the prospect of Mrs. Jara being elected President."
Desbordes contrasted his role in the October 2019 crisis, where he defended police and military, questioning Kaiser's involvement beyond videos. He also defended supporting Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary-General, stressing a head of state must represent all: "I don't think like President Bachelet, but I respect her." Kaiser portrayed himself as a democrat and fiscally responsible, criticizing Chile Vamos for violating principles.
This confrontation exposes fractures in the center-right, with Desbordes fully backing Evelyn Matthei and warning voters of electoral implications.