Franco Parisi of the Party of the People (PdG) secured over 2.5 million votes in the 2025 presidential first round, emerging as a pivotal figure for the runoff between Jeannette Jara and José Antonio Kast. His surprise third place has sparked discussions on vote transfers, though a poll shows splits. The PdG also won 14 deputies, giving it leverage in Congress.
In the 2025 presidential first round, Franco Parisi surprised by securing over 2.5 million votes, or 19% of the total, finishing just four points shy of the runoff. His campaign slogan 'neither fascist nor commie' appealed to disillusioned voters feeling unrepresented by traditional options, per post-election analyses. The PdG, led by him, elected 14 deputies, becoming a pivotal force in the Lower House where neither left nor right holds an absolute majority.
A Descifra poll showed 43% believing Parisi's votes would go to Kast, versus 39% to Jara. However, Parisi stated over 75% of his supporters would vote null or blank, indicating distance from 'the extremes.' In 2021, a similar endorsement to Kast failed to fully transfer votes, particularly in northern regions like Arica and Biobío, where Parisi was strong but Kast did not capture the full total.
Jara, with only 28.7% including other leftists, actively courts Parisi's backing, adopting proposals like VAT refunds on medicines and dismissing advisor Darío Quiroga for derogatory remarks against the PdG. Kast, supported by nearly 50% of the right, has less urgency, focusing on contrasting with Jara as continuity of Boric's government. Analysts note Parisi's true influence lies in his parliamentary bloc, though it faces internal discipline issues, as in 2022 when it quickly dissolved.
The Parisi phenomenon highlights an anti-system electorate, supported among middle incomes, youth, and low-education evangelicals, according to preliminary Faro UDD studies. His role could shape not only the December 14 runoff but future governability.
